Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Wilmington, NC
Waiters and waitresses in Wilmington, NC earn an average annual salary of $29,590, which is notably below the national average of $38,360. This disparity can often be attributed to a combination of local economic factors, including the specific demand for service industry roles and the overall wage structure within the Wilmington area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,910.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC presents a robust employment landscape for waiters and waitresses, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 5,050 individuals. The location quotient of 1.81 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the local hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Wilmington, NC earns-22.9%below the national average.
$14.2
$569
$2,466
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington's waiter and waitress salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and potential minimum wage adjustments likely contribute to incremental salary increases over time, reflecting a dynamic job market.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for waiters and waitresses. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in customer service, fine dining, and specialized beverage knowledge can secure significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,240 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,193 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,540 | $10.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,988 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,910 | $23 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,590 in Wilmington, NC 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 is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Wilmington is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
5,050
Total Jobs
27.027
Per 1K Jobs
1.81
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 1.8x the national concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 1.81, Wilmington, NC demonstrates a market that is nearly twice as concentrated with waiters and waitresses as the national average. This indicates a higher demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce, suggesting a competitive yet abundant job market where opportunities are plentiful, but employers may also have a wider pool of candidates to choose from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,030↑ 1% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,700↓ 20% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,800↓ 3% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,910↑ 1% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,210↓ 1% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Wilmington, NC is $29,590. This typically ranges from $17,240 for entry-level positions to $47,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 22.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $29,590 significantly trails the national average of $38,360, indicating lower earning potential in this specific role.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($30,030) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 5,050 indicates a substantial presence of waiters and waitresses, suggesting a healthy demand and numerous establishments employing these professionals within Wilmington, NC.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.81 signify?
A location quotient of 1.81 means that waiters and waitresses are employed in Wilmington, NC at a rate 81% higher than the national average, indicating a strong concentration and demand for this profession.
How does Wilmington's cost of living compare nationally?
Wilmington, NC has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning that the general expenses for goods and services are neither higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
What is the average number of waiter/waitress jobs per 1,000 workers in Wilmington?
There are approximately 27.027 jobs per 1,000 workers for waiters and waitresses in Wilmington, NC, highlighting the prevalence of these service roles within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,050 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 27.027 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Waiters and Waitresses Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Wilmington, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Wilmington, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wilmington, NC