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Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Walla Walla, WA

Waiters and Waitresses in Walla Walla, WA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $48,250, significantly surpassing the national average of $38,360. This elevated compensation in Walla Walla can be attributed to a combination of local economic factors and potentially a unique demand within the service industry that warrants higher pay for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,960.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Walla Walla, WA, appears stable, with a total workforce of 320 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of jobs indicates a consistent presence and demand within the community's service sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,250

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Walla Walla, WA earns+25.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.2

Weekly

$928

Monthly

$4,021

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Walla Walla, WA

Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills, such as sommelier knowledge or supervisory duties, can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the percentile gaps in earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,860$16.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$36,188$17.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$44,590$21.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$60,313$29
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$77,960$37.5

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$48,250

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $48,250 in Walla Walla, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Waiter or Waitress in Walla Walla is equivalent to the national average, indicating that their earnings effectively cover standard living expenses without a significant premium or discount.

Job Market Context

320

Total Jobs

12.398

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Walla Walla, WA 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, Walla Walla, WA, has a slightly lower concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Kennewick-Richland, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$53,600↑ 11%41 mi
Lewiston, ID-WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$38,310↓ 21%68 mi

Comparing salaries near Walla Walla, WA

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Walla Walla, WA?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Walla Walla, WA is $48,250. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $77,960 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Walla Walla, WA is 25.8% higher than the national median of $38,360.

Is Walla Walla, WA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

Yes, it is a relatively lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average annual salary of $48,250 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Walla Walla, WA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Walla Walla, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Kennewick-Richland, WA ($53,600) and Lewiston, ID-WA.

How does the Walla Walla salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Walla Walla, WA, is $48,250, which is considerably higher than the national average of $38,360.

What is the Cost of Living in Walla Walla, WA?

The Cost of Living Index in Walla Walla, WA, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.

Is there high demand for Waiters and Waitresses in Walla Walla, WA?

While the Location Quotient of 0.83 is slightly below the national average, indicating a slightly lower concentration, the absolute number of jobs and the competitive salary suggest a steady demand within the local market.

How many Waiters and Waitresses are there in Walla Walla, WA?

There are approximately 320 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Walla Walla, WA, contributing to the local service industry workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Walla Walla, WA area with a job density of 12.398 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 Walla Walla, WA