Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Waiters and waitresses in St. Louis, MO-IL earn an average annual salary of $33,170. This figure is below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this sector. The specific pay rates in St. Louis are influenced by the region's unique economic landscape and the overall supply and demand for hospitality services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,310.
- Outlook: The St. Louis, MO-IL area supports a substantial workforce of 20,010 waiters and waitresses, with 14.939 jobs per 1,000 workers. A Location Quotient of 1.0 indicates that the concentration of these roles in St. Louis is on par with the national average. This suggests a stable and consistent demand for dining service professionals, reflecting a robust job market that is neither exceptionally saturated nor critically undersupplied.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in St. Louis, MO-IL earns-13.5%below the national average.
$16
$638
$2,764
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for St. Louis is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for waiters and waitresses nationwide have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation and increasing labor costs. This national trend likely extends to St. Louis, where incremental salary adjustments would be expected to keep pace with the cost of living and maintain competitiveness in the job market.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
Experience significantly impacts earnings for waiters and waitresses. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can achieve higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and customer service proficiency.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,580 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,878 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,030 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,463 | $19.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,310 | $22.7 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,170 in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's salary in St. Louis is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage, indicating that the take-home pay offers a similar lifestyle standard to that found elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
20,010
Total Jobs
14.939
Per 1K Jobs
1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.00, St. Louis, MO-IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.0, the St. Louis, MO-IL market for waiters and waitresses mirrors the national average in terms of job concentration. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of available positions is proportionate to the number of professionals in the field. It implies that while opportunities exist, the market is not characterized by an oversupply or a significant shortage of talent, making it a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,790↑ 2% | 84 mi |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $31,720↓ 4% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in St. Louis, MO-IL is $33,170. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $47,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 13.5% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,170 is below the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($33,790) and Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.
How does the St. Louis waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in St. Louis, MO-IL is $33,170, which is approximately $5,190 less than the national average of $38,360.
What is the job concentration for waiters and waitresses in St. Louis?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.0, indicating that the proportion of waiters and waitresses in St. Louis is the same as the national average.
Does the cost of living in St. Louis affect the salary's value?
No, the cost of living in St. Louis is at the national average (100). This means the $33,170 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary.
How many waiters and waitresses are employed in St. Louis?
There are approximately 20,010 waiters and waitresses employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL area, representing 14.939 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 20,010 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 14.939 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 St. Louis, MO-IL