SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Salem, OR

Waiters and Waitresses in Salem, Oregon, earn an average annual salary of $42,530, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,360. This elevated pay is often influenced by local economic factors, demand for service industry professionals, and the specific operational costs within the Salem metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,530 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,190.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,790 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.64, the market for Waiters and Waitresses in Salem indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. However, the presence of 9.625 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,530

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Salem, OR earns+10.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.5

Weekly

$818

Monthly

$3,544

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Salem, OR

Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and refined service skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution. These percentile gaps highlight the earning potential as one advances in their career.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,440$14.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$31,898$15.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$33,470$16.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$53,163$25.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$66,190$31.8

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,530

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,530

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $42,530 in Salem, OR, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Waiter or Waitress's salary in Salem is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average in a location with average living expenses, offering a balanced financial standing.

Job Market Context

1,790

Total Jobs

9.625

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

Salem, OR has 0.64x the national average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests that Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Salem at a rate lower than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector compared to other regions, implying a moderately competitive job market where opportunities exist but are not overwhelmingly abundant.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Albany, OR Waiters and Waitresses Salary$38,440↓ 10%21 mi
Corvallis, OR Waiters and Waitresses Salary$38,620↓ 9%27 mi
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$47,310↑ 11%44 mi
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$35,470↓ 17%53 mi
Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$36,430↓ 14%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Salem, OR

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Salem, OR?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Salem, OR is $42,530. This typically ranges from $30,440 for entry-level positions to $66,190 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 10.9% higher than the national median of $38,360.

Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Waiters and Waitresses in Salem earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the nominal salary quite favorable for residents.

Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($38,440) and Corvallis, OR.

How does Salem's waiter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Salem, OR is $42,530, which is $4,170 higher than the national average of $38,360.

What is the cost of living in Salem, OR for service workers?

Salem, OR has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the typical U.S. city.

Is the job market for Waiters and Waitresses strong in Salem?

The market shows steady demand with 9.625 jobs per 1,000 workers, though the Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests it's less concentrated than the national average.

How many Waiters and Waitresses are there in Salem, OR?

There are approximately 1,790 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Salem, OR.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,790 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 9.625 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Salem, OR