Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Waiters and waitresses in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $58,180, significantly surpassing the national average of $38,360. This substantial difference is largely attributed to the region's robust economy and higher demand for service industry professionals. The local market dynamics and cost of labor contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,860.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area supports a considerable workforce of 25,860 individuals in waiter and waitress roles. While the Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the sheer volume of jobs, represented by 12.417 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicates a stable and active job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+51.7%above the national average.
$28
$1,119
$4,848
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for waiters and waitresses in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage legislation, and a dynamic local economy likely contribute to an upward trend in compensation for these service roles.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for waiters and waitresses in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, 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) | $35,120 | $16.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $43,635 | $21 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $48,760 | $23.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $72,725 | $35 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $97,860 | $47 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, the average annual salary of $58,180 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's or waitress's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable choice without the immediate pressure of a significantly higher cost of living impacting disposable income.
Job Market Context
25,860
Total Jobs
12.417
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.83x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.83 for waiters and waitresses in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue indicates that the occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and existing professionals seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $53,840↓ 7% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $48,010↓ 17% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $51,950↓ 11% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $53,810↓ 8% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $53,140↓ 9% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $58,180. This typically ranges from $35,120 for entry-level positions to $97,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 51.7% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average annual salary of $58,180 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, providing strong purchasing power.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($53,840) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $58,180, which is substantially higher than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue for service workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is on par with the rest of the country.
How many waiter and waitress jobs are there in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
There are approximately 25,860 individuals employed as waiters and waitresses in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area, with 12.417 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Is the job market for waiters and waitresses competitive in Seattle?
With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced, though not overly abundant, job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 25,860 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 12.417 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA