SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Wichita, KS

Waiters and waitresses in Wichita, KS, earn an average annual salary of $36,740. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and the cost of living may influence compensation within the service industry in this region. While close to the national benchmark, understanding these nuances is key for potential and current service professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,740 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 87.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,430.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,330 individuals in this role, Wichita demonstrates a stable presence of waiters and waitresses. The Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates that employment in this sector is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these services within the city's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,740

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Wichita, KS earns-4.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.7

Weekly

$707

Monthly

$3,062

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS

Career progression for waiters and waitresses in Wichita, KS, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, which often command higher hourly wages and potentially better tips. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range for this profession allows for significant earning potential as experience and skill levels increase, reflecting a clear career ladder.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$15,560$7.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,555$13.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,800$16.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,925$22.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$61,430$29.5

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,740

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,740

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,740 in Wichita, KS, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's or waitress's salary in Wichita is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook for those considering a move or already residing in the area.

Job Market Context

4,330

Total Jobs

14.104

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

Wichita, KS has 0.94x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.94 for waiters and waitresses in Wichita, KS, suggests a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution of this profession. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, meaning the market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, providing a steady environment for employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Kansas nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$30,190↓ 18%67 mi
Enid, OK Waiters and Waitresses Salary$26,920↓ 27%93 mi

Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Wichita, KS?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Wichita, KS is $36,740. This typically ranges from $15,560 for entry-level positions to $61,430 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 4.2% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,740 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating standard earning potential rather than exceptional financial gain.

Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($30,190) and Enid, OK.

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

The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Wichita, KS, is $36,740, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,360.

What is the concentration of waiter jobs in Wichita, KS?

Wichita, KS has a Location Quotient of 0.94 for waiters and waitresses, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Wichita affect waiter salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wichita's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $36,740 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of waiters and waitresses employed in Wichita, KS?

There are approximately 4,330 waiters and waitresses employed in Wichita, KS, representing a significant portion of 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 4,330 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 14.104 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 Wichita, KS