Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Waiters and waitresses in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earn an average annual salary of $34,380. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,360, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this Pennsylvania region. The specific pay rates are often tied to the cost of doing business and consumer spending habits within the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,630.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area supports a local workforce of 3,360 waiters and waitresses, with 13.201 jobs per 1,000 workers. The location quotient of 0.88 indicates that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for this profession within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-10.4%below the national average.
$16.5
$661
$2,865
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for waiters and waitresses in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward movement would likely be influenced by minimum wage adjustments and the overall health of the local hospitality sector.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often with increased responsibilities and client interaction. While specific percentile data isn't available, experienced professionals can expect to earn significantly more than their less experienced counterparts, with higher earners potentially reaching the upper percentiles of the salary range.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,630 | $8.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,785 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,790 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,975 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $58,630 | $28.2 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,380 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for those earning this wage in the area.
Job Market Context
3,360
Total Jobs
13.201
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.88x 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.
With a location quotient of 0.88, the job market for waiters and waitresses in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it may not be a primary driver of the local economy, and job seekers might face a moderately competitive landscape compared to areas with higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $52,750↑ 53% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $36,930↑ 7% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $49,330↑ 43% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $50,730↑ 48% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $48,570↑ 41% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $34,380. This typically ranges from $17,630 for entry-level positions to $58,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 10.4% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,380 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there isn't a significant financial advantage for this profession in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($52,750) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?
With 13.201 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate of employment for waiters and waitresses in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is slightly below the national average, as indicated by the location quotient of 0.88.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area employs a total of 3,360 individuals in roles as waiters and waitresses.
Does experience impact salary for waiters and waitresses in this area?
Yes, as with most professions, experience typically leads to higher earning potential for waiters and waitresses, moving them into higher salary percentiles.
How does the cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre affect the salary?
The cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $34,380 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,360 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 13.201 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA