SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Waiters and Waitresses in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $47,500. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,360, indicating a premium for service professionals in this region. The elevated pay is likely influenced by the area's high concentration of economic activity and a robust demand for skilled hospitality staff.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,500 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,220.
  • Outlook: The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area boasts a substantial workforce of 45,170 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and well-established job market. The presence of nearly 14.5 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores consistent demand for these essential service positions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,500

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+23.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.8

Weekly

$913

Monthly

$3,958

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,130$15
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$35,625$17.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$38,440$18.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$59,375$28.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$76,220$36.6

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,500

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,500

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $47,500 for Waiters and Waitresses in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal wage effectively reflect the local cost of living without a significant premium or deficit.

Job Market Context

45,170

Total Jobs

14.483

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.97x 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 0.97, the job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates a competitive yet stable environment where the demand for these roles is robust and closely mirrors the average across the country. Professionals can expect a market with ample opportunities, though perhaps without the extreme scarcity or oversupply seen in areas with significantly higher or lower LQs.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Maryland nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$40,440↓ 15%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Waiters and Waitresses Salary$40,930↓ 14%35 mi
Lexington Park, MD Waiters and Waitresses Salary$40,730↓ 14%55 mi
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Waiters and Waitresses Salary$39,120↓ 18%63 mi
Winchester, VA-WV Waiters and Waitresses Salary$38,820↓ 18%64 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $47,500. This typically ranges from $31,130 for entry-level positions to $76,220 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 23.8% higher than the national median of $38,360.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average salary of $47,500 is substantially higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($40,440) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

Waiters and Waitresses in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria earn an average of $47,500 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $38,360.

What is the concentration of Waiters and Waitresses in this area?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.97, indicating that the proportion of Waiters and Waitresses in the local workforce is very close to the national average.

Does the Cost of Living affect the value of the salary?

The Cost of Living Index for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $47,500 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Waiters and Waitresses work in this region?

There are approximately 45,170 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 45,170 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 14.483 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV