Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Sumter, SC
Waiters and waitresses in Sumter, SC, earn an average annual salary of $23,120. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,360, indicating that local economic factors and demand within the Sumter area significantly influence compensation for these roles. The specific pay rates are often tied to the regional economic landscape and the overall cost of doing business in South Carolina.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,460.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 460 individuals in this profession and a Location Quotient of 0.87, the job market for waiters and waitresses in Sumter, SC, suggests a stable, albeit slightly below-national-average concentration of these roles. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 12.951 indicates a consistent presence of these positions within the local economy, reflecting ongoing demand from the hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Sumter, SC earns-39.7%below the national average.
$11.1
$445
$1,927
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Sumter, SC, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for waiters and waitresses nationwide have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and increasing labor costs. This trend likely extends to Sumter, where modest increases may have occurred to keep pace with the cost of living and to attract and retain staff in a competitive service industry.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Sumter, SC
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, strong customer service skills, and perhaps supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the role.
| 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) | $17,340 | $8.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $17,120 | $8.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,900 | $13.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,460 | $20.4 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $23,120 in Sumter, SC, 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, its purchasing power locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the salary, though seemingly modest, offers a comparable standard of living to that of the average American.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
12.951
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Sumter, SC has 0.87x 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 0.87 for waiters and waitresses in Sumter, SC, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in the local job market compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady demand for these roles, the market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,650↑ 7% | 30 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,700↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,200↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $21,390↓ 7% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,200↑ 0% | 38 mi |
Comparing salaries near Sumter, SC
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Sumter, SC?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Sumter, SC is $23,120. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $42,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Sumter, SC is 39.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Sumter, SC a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $23,120 is significantly below the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent nationally.
Is Sumter, SC a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Sumter, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Sumter, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($24,650) and Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a waiter in Sumter, SC?
The average annual salary for a waiter or waitress in Sumter, SC, is $23,120.
How does the Sumter, SC salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Sumter, SC ($23,120) is considerably lower than the national average salary of $38,360 for waiters and waitresses.
What is the cost of living in Sumter, SC?
Sumter, SC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the waiter and waitress job market in Sumter, SC?
The job market for waiters and waitresses in Sumter, SC, has a Location Quotient of 0.87, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Sumter, SC area with a job density of 12.951 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 Sumter, SC