Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Savannah, GA
Waiters and waitresses in Savannah, GA, earn an average annual salary of $28,390. This figure falls below the national average of $38,360, indicating that local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this Southern city. The specific economic landscape and the prevalence of hospitality roles in Savannah contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 46.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,680.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,710 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.62, Savannah demonstrates a notably higher concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and active job market for these professionals, indicating consistent demand and potential for employment opportunities within the city's vibrant hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Savannah, GA earns-26.0%below the national average.
$13.7
$546
$2,366
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for waiters and waitresses in Savannah, like in many other regions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and the evolving demands of the service industry, leading to modest but consistent upward adjustments in compensation.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Savannah, GA
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Savannah typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,080 | $7.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,293 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $20,750 | $10 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,488 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,680 | $23.4 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,390 in Savannah, GA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Savannah is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
4,710
Total Jobs
24.148
Per 1K Jobs
1.62
Location Quotient
Savannah, GA has 1.6x the national concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Savannah's Location Quotient of 1.62 signifies a job market where waiters and waitresses are 62% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a strong demand and a potentially competitive environment for these roles, suggesting that employers in Savannah rely more heavily on this workforce compared to the typical U.S. city.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,730↓ 9% | 28 mi |
| Hinesville, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,120↓ 12% | 29 mi |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,420↓ 14% | 63 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,380↓ 11% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Savannah, GA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Savannah, GA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Savannah, GA is $28,390. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $48,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Savannah, GA is 26.0% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Savannah, GA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,390 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is comparable, though not leading to higher earnings.
Is Savannah, GA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Savannah, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Savannah, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($25,730) and Hinesville, GA.
How does Savannah's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Savannah, GA, is $28,390, which is considerably lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living in Savannah, GA?
Savannah, GA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for waiters and waitresses in Savannah?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.62 suggests a higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Savannah compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How many waiters and waitresses work in Savannah?
There are approximately 4,710 waiters and waitresses employed in Savannah, GA, making up a significant portion of the local service industry workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,710 employees in the Savannah, GA area with a job density of 24.148 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 Savannah, GA