SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL

Waiters and waitresses in Tuscaloosa, AL earn an average annual salary of $25,200. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this service industry role in the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,200 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,920.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,810 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.12, Tuscaloosa demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally booming, demand for these professionals within the city's hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,200

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Tuscaloosa, AL earns-34.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.1

Weekly

$485

Monthly

$2,100

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL

Salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Tuscaloosa, AL, is typically tied to experience and skill. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and perhaps supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries, reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$16,370$7.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$18,900$9.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$22,740$10.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$31,500$15.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,920$16.8

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,200

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,200

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $25,200 in Tuscaloosa, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

1,810

Total Jobs

16.684

Per 1K Jobs

1.12

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.12, Tuscaloosa, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.12 signifies that Tuscaloosa has a slightly higher concentration of waiters and waitresses relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where job opportunities are present, but perhaps not overwhelmingly abundant, indicating a balanced supply and demand.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Birmingham, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary$25,030↓ 1%47 mi
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$22,780↓ 10%52 mi
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$22,530↓ 11%52 mi
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$23,000↓ 9%52 mi
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$22,400↓ 11%52 mi

Comparing salaries near Tuscaloosa, AL

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Tuscaloosa, AL?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Tuscaloosa, AL is $25,200. This typically ranges from $16,370 for entry-level positions to $34,920 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 34.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Tuscaloosa, AL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,200 is significantly below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. This suggests that while expenses are average, earning potential is below the national benchmark.

Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($25,030) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

How does Tuscaloosa's waiter salary compare to the national average?

Waiters and waitresses in Tuscaloosa, AL, earn an average of $25,200 annually, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,360.

What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL?

Tuscaloosa, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

Is there high demand for waiters and waitresses in Tuscaloosa?

With a Location Quotient of 1.12, there is a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Tuscaloosa than the national average, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand.

How many waiters and waitresses are there in Tuscaloosa?

The total local workforce for waiters and waitresses in Tuscaloosa, AL, is approximately 1,810 individuals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,810 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 16.684 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL