Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Waiters and waitresses in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $21,120. This figure significantly trails the national average of $38,360, indicating a distinct regional economic landscape. Factors such as local demand, industry concentration, and the overall economic structure of nonmetropolitan regions likely contribute to this disparity in compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $21,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,400.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 720 individuals in this role, the waiter and waitress sector in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan areas represents a modest segment of the regional economy. The Location Quotient of 0.6 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding job market.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-44.9%below the national average.
$10.2
$406
$1,760
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for waiters and waitresses across the United States have experienced modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely extends to Southwest Louisiana, though the rate of increase may differ from national patterns.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Southwest Louisiana 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 data isn't available for this region, it's understood that with experience, individuals can expect their earnings to increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater skill, tenure, and potentially supervisory duties.
| 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) | $15,840 | $7.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $15,620 | $7.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $26,400 | $12.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,400 | $15.6 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$21,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$21,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $21,120 in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower salary may be offset by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
720
Total Jobs
9.033
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.60x 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 0.6 for waiters and waitresses in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan areas indicates that this profession is less prevalent than the national average. This suggests a less competitive job market in terms of sheer numbers of available positions relative to the workforce size, potentially offering more opportunities for those seeking employment in this field compared to highly concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,570↑ 16% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,490↑ 11% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,230↑ 10% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,480↑ 11% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,120↑ 14% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $21,120. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $32,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 44.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Southwest Louisiana 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 $21,120 is substantially lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national index.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($24,570) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan areas is $21,120, which is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the concentration of Waiters and Waitresses in this region?
The Location Quotient is 0.6, meaning this occupation is less concentrated in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are average nationally. Therefore, the lower salary of $21,120 means less disposable income compared to higher-paying regions with similar living costs.
What is the total number of Waiters and Waitresses in the area?
There are approximately 720 waiters and waitresses employed in the Southwest Louisiana 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 720 employees in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.033 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 Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area