SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Wausau, WI

Waiters and waitresses in Wausau, WI, earn an average annual salary of $32,340. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this service industry role in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,130.
  • Outlook: Wausau, WI supports a local workforce of 860 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 in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,340

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Wausau, WI earns-15.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.6

Weekly

$622

Monthly

$2,695

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI

The salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Wausau, WI, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,360$8.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,255$11.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,010$13.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,425$19.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$48,130$23.1

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,340 in Wausau, WI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income in Wausau is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

860

Total Jobs

12.344

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Wausau, WI 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 for waiters and waitresses in Wausau, WI, indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering moderate opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$30,610↓ 5%48 mi
Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$26,800↓ 17%48 mi
Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$27,860↓ 14%48 mi
Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$28,700↓ 11%48 mi
Appleton, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary$32,720↑ 1%78 mi

Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Wausau, WI?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Wausau, WI is $32,340. This typically ranges from $17,360 for entry-level positions to $48,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 15.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, Wausau, WI is not a particularly lucrative place for waiters and waitresses compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,340 is below the national average of $38,360, and while the cost of living is average, the compensation does not offer a significant financial advantage.

Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($30,610) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a waiter in Wausau, WI?

The average annual salary for a waiter or waitress in Wausau, WI is $32,340.

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

Waiters and waitresses in Wausau, WI earn approximately $6,020 less per year than the national average salary of $38,360.

What is the cost of living in Wausau, WI?

Wausau, WI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the waiter job market in Wausau, WI?

The job market for waiters and waitresses in Wausau, WI has a Location Quotient of 0.83, meaning it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 12.344 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 Wausau, WI