Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Waiters and waitresses in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area earn an average annual salary of $33,420. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as supply and demand for service staff and the overall economic landscape of the Research Triangle region, play a significant role in compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,220.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,110 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.03, Raleigh-Cary demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally booming, job market for these professionals, with demand closely mirroring national trends but with a local flavor.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-12.9%below the national average.
$16.1
$643
$2,785
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Raleigh-Cary is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic expansion and inflation typically drive up wages for service industry positions, suggesting that the $33,420 average may see incremental increases in the coming years.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Raleigh-Cary, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and perhaps supervisory duties can command significantly higher earnings, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,530 | $8.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,065 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,450 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,775 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $59,220 | $28.5 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,420 in Raleigh-Cary aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, neither offering a significant advantage nor disadvantage in terms of affordability for essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
11,110
Total Jobs
15.352
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Raleigh-Cary, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.03 signifies that Raleigh-Cary has a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles within the local economy, indicating that the job market is competitive but generally accommodating for those seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,480↑ 0% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,830↓ 14% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,800↓ 14% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,490↓ 12% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,910↓ 11% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $33,420. This typically ranges from $17,530 for entry-level positions to $59,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 12.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for waiters and waitresses is below the national average. This means earning potential is slightly diminished compared to other areas.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($33,480) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 15.352 jobs per 1,000 workers, Raleigh-Cary shows a slightly higher density of waiter and waitress positions compared to the national average, reinforcing the slightly elevated concentration indicated by the Location Quotient.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses in Raleigh-Cary?
The total local workforce for waiters and waitresses in the Raleigh-Cary area comprises 11,110 individuals, indicating a substantial presence in the service industry.
Does experience impact salary for waiters in Raleigh-Cary?
Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior waiters and waitresses with more years in the industry typically earn higher wages than their entry-level counterparts.
How does Raleigh-Cary's cost of living compare to other cities?
Raleigh-Cary's cost of living index is exactly 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, it costs the same to live in Raleigh-Cary as it does in the United States as a whole.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,110 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 15.352 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Raleigh-Cary, NC