Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Waiters and Waitresses in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $22,530. This figure is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different service industry landscape. The lower average wage is often tied to the cost of doing business and consumer spending power in nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $22,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,280.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 820 individuals in this role, the concentration, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.66, suggests that this profession is less prevalent in Southeast Alabama compared to the national average. While the number of jobs per 1,000 workers stands at 9.873, the lower LQ implies that demand, relative to the national scale, may not be exceptionally high, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for waiters and waitresses in this specific area.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-41.3%below the national average.
$10.8
$433
$1,878
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Waiters and Waitresses across most regions, including Southeast Alabama, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increases in the minimum wage, and evolving service industry standards. However, the pace of salary appreciation in nonmetropolitan areas can sometimes lag behind that of larger urban centers.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses is often tied to experience and the establishment they work for. Entry-level positions typically fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills (like fine dining service or sommelier knowledge), or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The gap between the 25th percentile (entry-level) and the 75th percentile (experienced) salaries signifies the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,730 | $7.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $16,898 | $8.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $20,800 | $10 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,163 | $13.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,280 | $16 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$22,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$22,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $22,530 in Southeast Alabama 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, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, individuals relocating to this area can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a rate comparable to the national standard, without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
9.873
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.66x 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 0.66 indicates that the employment of Waiters and Waitresses in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan areas is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession exists, it is not a dominant industry sector in this region. Consequently, the job market may present fewer opportunities compared to areas with a higher LQ, and competition for available positions could be moderate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,180↑ 7% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,030↑ 11% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,200↑ 12% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,040↑ 7% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,680↑ 5% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $22,530. This typically ranges from $15,730 for entry-level positions to $33,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 41.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average annual salary of $22,530 is substantially below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($24,180) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan areas is $22,530, which is considerably lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan areas is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Waiters and Waitresses in this region?
The job market for Waiters and Waitresses is less concentrated in this region compared to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.66, indicating fewer jobs per capita relative to the nation.
What is the total number of Waiters and Waitresses in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 820 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Southeast Alabama 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 820 employees in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.873 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 Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area