Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Waiters and waitresses in Southwest Alabama's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $22,400. This figure significantly trails the national average of $38,360, indicating a distinct regional compensation structure. Factors such as lower cost of living and potentially less dense service industry demand contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $22,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,280.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 500 individuals in this role, the waiter and waitress job market in Southwest Alabama's nonmetropolitan areas presents a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape. The location quotient of 0.51 suggests that this profession is less concentrated here than the national average, implying a moderate demand relative to the overall workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-41.6%below the national average.
$10.8
$431
$1,867
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 Southwest Alabama have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This slow but steady increase likely aims to keep pace with the cost of living and attract a consistent pool of service professionals.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
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 salary data is unavailable, the expected salary range widens with experience, with senior staff commanding higher earnings than those just starting out, reflecting accumulated skills and customer rapport.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,500 | $7.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $16,800 | $8.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $19,950 | $9.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,000 | $13.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,280 | $16 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$22,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$22,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $22,400 in Southwest Alabama's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly 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 comparable to other regions, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the salary's real value.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
7.681
Per 1K Jobs
0.51
Location Quotient
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.51x 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 0.51 indicates that waiters and waitresses are employed in Southwest Alabama's nonmetropolitan areas at about half the rate seen nationally. This suggests that the job market for this profession is less saturated compared to the rest of the country, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for new job seekers but also signaling a less robust overall demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,180↑ 8% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,030↑ 12% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,200↑ 13% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,040↑ 7% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,680↑ 6% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $22,400. This typically ranges from $15,500 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 41.6% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, it is not a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average annual salary of $22,400 is significantly below the national average of $38,360. While the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($24,180) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Southwest Alabama's nonmetropolitan areas is $22,400, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the concentration of waiters and waitresses in this region?
The location quotient of 0.51 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Southwest Alabama's nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average, suggesting a lower relative prevalence of these jobs.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Southwest Alabama?
The cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $22,400 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal amount.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses in this area?
There are approximately 500 waiters and waitresses employed in the Southwest 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 500 employees in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.681 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Waiters and Waitresses Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area