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Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Valdosta, GA

Waiters and waitresses in Valdosta, GA, earn an average annual salary of $23,980. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,360, indicating that local economic factors and the cost of labor in Valdosta play a significant role in compensation for this service industry role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $23,980 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,970.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,050 individuals in this profession and a Location Quotient of 1.29, the demand for waiters and waitresses in Valdosta appears to be slightly above the national average. This suggests a relatively stable job market for these roles, with a concentration of opportunities that could benefit job seekers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$23,980

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Valdosta, GA earns-37.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$11.5

Weekly

$461

Monthly

$1,998

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Valdosta, GA

As with most service roles, experience significantly impacts earning potential for waiters and waitresses. Entry-level positions typically offer compensation at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The progression through different pay percentiles reflects this career development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$17,985$8.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$17,620$8.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$29,975$14.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,970$21.1

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$23,980

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$23,980

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $23,980 in Valdosta, GA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might seem lower compared to national averages, the purchasing power of this income within Valdosta is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

1,050

Total Jobs

19.299

Per 1K Jobs

1.29

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.29, Valdosta, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.29 signifies that Valdosta, GA, has a higher concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This indicates a robust demand and a potentially competitive job market for these roles within the local area, offering ample opportunities for those seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

Comparing salaries near Valdosta, GA

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Valdosta, GA?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Valdosta, GA is $23,980. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $43,970 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Valdosta, GA is 37.5% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Valdosta, GA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, Valdosta, GA is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $23,980 is significantly below the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.

Is Valdosta, GA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Valdosta, GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tallahassee, FL ($36,610) and Albany, GA.

What is the average salary for a waiter in Valdosta, GA?

The average annual salary for a waiter or waitress in Valdosta, GA is $23,980.

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

Valdosta's average waiter salary of $23,980 is considerably lower than the national average of $38,360.

Is the job market for waiters strong in Valdosta, GA?

Yes, with a Location Quotient of 1.29, the job market for waiters and waitresses in Valdosta is slightly more concentrated than the national average, suggesting good demand.

How does the cost of living in Valdosta affect the salary?

Valdosta's cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the $23,980 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Valdosta, GA area with a job density of 19.299 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.