Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Washington
Waiters and waitresses in Washington State command an impressive average annual salary of $55,520, substantially outpacing the national average of $38,360. This elevated pay is often a reflection of the state's robust economy and potentially higher operational costs for establishments within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,730.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 43,720 and a Location Quotient of 0.83, the market for waiters and waitresses in Washington indicates a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, presence compared to national averages. The figure of 12.351 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for these service professionals across the state.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Washington earns+44.7%above the national average.
$26.7
$1,068
$4,627
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for waiters and waitresses in Washington have likely seen a steady upward trend. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving consumer demand for quality service, mirroring broader economic patterns.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for waiters and waitresses in Washington State significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with strong customer service skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as one gains experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,910 | $16.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $41,640 | $20 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $47,490 | $22.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $69,400 | $33.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $91,730 | $44.1 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,236
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The nominal average annual salary of $55,520 in Washington State needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the salary is considerably higher than the national average, the cost of living is also 15.1% above the national benchmark. This means that while the take-home pay is higher, the purchasing power may be somewhat moderated by the increased expenses associated with living in Washington.
Job Market Context
43,720
Total Jobs
12.351
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Washington 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that the employment concentration for waiters and waitresses in Washington is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the profession is well-represented, it is not disproportionately dominant compared to other job sectors within the state's labor market. The job market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $58,180↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $52,710↓ 5% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $53,840↓ 3% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $53,810↓ 3% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $49,070↓ 12% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Washington is $55,520. This typically ranges from $34,910 for entry-level positions to $91,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 44.7% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
Yes, Washington offers lucrative opportunities for waiters and waitresses.The average annual salary of $55,520 significantly exceeds the national average, providing a strong earning potential despite a higher cost of living.
Is Washington a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($58,180) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's waiter salary compare to the national average?
Waiters and waitresses in Washington earn an average of $55,520 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Washington State compared to the national average?
Washington State has a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% more expensive to live there than the national average.
How concentrated is the waiter and waitress job market in Washington?
The Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that the concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Washington is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly dominant market.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses employed in Washington?
There are approximately 43,720 waiters and waitresses employed in Washington State.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 43,720 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 12.351 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 Washington