Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Topeka, KS
In Topeka, KS, the average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses stands at $34,660, which is notably below the national average of $38,360. This difference in compensation is often influenced by a variety of local economic factors, including the overall demand for service industry professionals and the prevailing wage scales within the Topeka metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 68.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,200.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 1,300 Waiters and Waitresses, Topeka presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately represented compared to the national landscape, indicating a steady but not rapidly expanding demand.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Topeka, KS earns-9.6%below the national average.
$16.7
$667
$2,888
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Topeka's Waiter and Waitress salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental salary increases for service roles over time, suggesting that compensation has likely seen modest growth.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Topeka, as elsewhere, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, often accompanied by higher pay. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range indicates that senior staff and those with extensive experience can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting their value and skill set.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,120 | $7.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,995 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,580 | $15.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,325 | $20.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $59,200 | $28.5 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,660 in Topeka aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's salary in Topeka is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services does not present an immediate disadvantage.
Job Market Context
1,300
Total Jobs
11.568
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Topeka, KS has 0.77x 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 0.77 for Waiters and Waitresses in Topeka indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally competitive, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike, with opportunities available without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $36,930↑ 7% | 24 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $34,750↑ 0% | 50 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $35,440↑ 2% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,190↓ 13% | 66 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $31,750↓ 8% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Topeka, KS is $34,660. This typically ranges from $16,120 for entry-level positions to $59,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 9.6% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, Topeka, KS is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,660 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the financial disparity.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($36,930) and Manhattan, KS.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 11.568 jobs per 1,000 workers, Topeka has a slightly lower density of waiter and waitress positions compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not booming local market.
What is the total number of Waiters and Waitresses in Topeka?
There are approximately 1,300 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Topeka, KS, forming a significant segment of the local service industry workforce.
How does Topeka's waiter salary compare to nearby cities?
While specific data for nearby cities isn't provided, the $34,660 average suggests that salaries in Topeka may be lower than in larger metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand.
What factors might influence waiter salaries in Topeka?
Factors such as the number of restaurants, local economic conditions, tourism, and the overall demand for service staff in Topeka likely influence the prevailing wage for waiters and waitresses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,300 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 11.568 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 Topeka, KS