SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Waco, TX

Waiters and Waitresses in Waco, TX earn an average annual salary of $30,470. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics in Waco influence compensation for this role. The specific pay rates are often tied to the cost of doing business, local consumer spending habits, and the overall supply of available service industry workers within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 56.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,910.
  • Outlook: Waco, TX supports a local workforce of 1,610 Waiters and Waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of over 12 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for service staff within the Waco area's hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,470

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Waco, TX earns-20.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.7

Weekly

$586

Monthly

$2,539

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Waco, TX

Salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Waco, TX, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills (like wine knowledge or advanced customer service techniques), and potentially supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior-level pay often signifies opportunities for career advancement within the local hospitality industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,150$8.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,853$11
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,120$13.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,088$18.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,910$22.6

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,470

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Waco, TX, stands at $30,470. This nominal income aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Waco waiter's salary is, on average, equivalent to that of a waiter in a typical U.S. city, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.

Job Market Context

1,610

Total Jobs

12.405

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Waco, TX has 0.83x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.83, Waco, TX, has a slightly lower concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in some other regions. This could translate to a moderately competitive environment for job seekers, with opportunities available but perhaps not an overwhelming abundance of openings relative to the number of workers.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Waco, TX?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Waco, TX is $30,470. This typically ranges from $17,150 for entry-level positions to $46,910 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 20.6% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.Waiters and Waitresses in Waco, TX, earn approximately $7,890 less annually than the national average. While the cost of living is average, the lower salary means less disposable income compared to national benchmarks.

Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($29,760) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.

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

The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Waco, TX is $30,470, which is $7,890 lower than the national average of $38,360.

What is the job concentration for Waiters and Waitresses in Waco, TX?

The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.83, indicating that the proportion of Waiters and Waitresses in Waco is slightly below the national average.

How does the cost of living in Waco, TX affect the salary?

Waco, TX has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the $30,470 salary has average purchasing power locally, neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by living costs.

How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Waco, TX?

There are approximately 1,610 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Waco, TX, representing about 12.405 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,610 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 12.405 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.