Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Waiters and Waitresses in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $26,360. This figure significantly trails the national average of $38,360, reflecting the distinct economic landscape and potentially lower demand for service industry roles in this region compared to more urbanized or economically dynamic areas. Local factors such as the cost of doing business and the overall economic output likely contribute to this pay disparity.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,100.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Waiters and Waitresses comprises 1,220 individuals, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 10.866. The Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in South Central Tennessee than the national average. While the workforce size suggests a stable presence, the below-average concentration implies that demand may not be exceptionally robust, positioning the job market as moderately stable rather than experiencing rapid growth.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-31.3%below the national average.
$12.7
$507
$2,197
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Waiters and Waitresses across the United States, including in regions like South Central Tennessee, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is generally driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving labor market dynamics that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain staff.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and potentially higher earnings. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the gap between starting wages and those earned by senior staff generally signifies opportunities for advancement. Experience often translates into better shifts, higher-tipping clientele, and potentially supervisory duties, leading to a more substantial income.
| 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) | $19,770 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,360 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,950 | $15.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,100 | $21.7 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,360 in South Central Tennessee aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal wage is offset by the equivalent cost of goods and services, suggesting that the standard of living for a waiter in this region is on par with the national median.
Job Market Context
1,220
Total Jobs
10.866
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 0.73x 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 0.73, the market for Waiters and Waitresses in South Central Tennessee is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the profession is not a dominant industry in the region, and the supply of workers may be relatively balanced with demand. It implies a moderately competitive environment where opportunities exist, but the sheer volume of jobs or the intensity of hiring may not be as high as in areas with a higher concentration of service industry employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,270↑ 26% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,220↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,820↓ 2% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,100↓ 9% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,800↓ 10% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $26,360. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $45,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 31.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average salary of $26,360 is substantially lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($33,270) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in South Central Tennessee is $26,360, which is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living in South Central Tennessee compared to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable.
How concentrated is the Waiter and Waitress job market in this region?
The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests that the job market for Waiters and Waitresses is less concentrated in South Central Tennessee compared to the national average, implying moderate demand.
What is the total number of Waiters and Waitresses in South Central Tennessee?
There are approximately 1,220 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,220 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 10.866 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 South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area