Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Worcester, MA
Waiters and Waitresses in Worcester, MA, earn an average annual salary of $41,400, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,360. This localized pay differential is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, including the specific demand within the hospitality sector and the overall cost of doing business in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,360.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,370 Waiters and Waitresses, Worcester presents a stable employment landscape for this role. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of workers indicates a consistent demand within the city's dining establishments.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Worcester, MA earns+7.9%above the national average.
$19.9
$796
$3,450
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waiters and Waitresses in Worcester is not provided, it's generally observed that salaries in the service industry, like many others, have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving consumer spending habits that support higher service industry compensation.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Worcester, MA
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Worcester, as elsewhere, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, such as lead server or supervisor. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their earnings to increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater expertise, established clienteles, and potentially supervisory responsibilities, leading to a wider salary range.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,050 | $14.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,260 | $17 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $51,750 | $24.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $64,360 | $30.9 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,400 in Worcester aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national benchmark. This means that the purchasing power of a Waiter or Waitress's income in Worcester is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages effectively cover typical living expenses.
Job Market Context
4,370
Total Jobs
12.414
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Worcester, MA 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 Worcester indicates that the employment concentration for this role is slightly less than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not oversaturated, there is a steady presence of these positions, offering opportunities without extreme competition compared to national hubs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $42,670↑ 3% | 14 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $43,210↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $40,140↓ 3% | 37 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $45,910↑ 11% | 37 mi |
| Springfield, MA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $41,350↓ 0% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Worcester, MA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Worcester, MA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Worcester, MA is $41,400. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $64,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Worcester, MA is 7.9% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Worcester, MA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
Yes, moderately so.Waiters and Waitresses in Worcester earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential relative to expenses.
Is Worcester, MA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Worcester, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Worcester, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($42,670) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.
How does Worcester's waiter salary compare to the national average?
Waiters and Waitresses in Worcester, MA, earn an average of $41,400 annually, which is $3,030 more than the national average of $38,360.
What is the total number of Waiters and Waitresses employed in Worcester?
There are approximately 4,370 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Worcester, MA.
How does the cost of living in Worcester affect a waiter's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Worcester's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $41,400 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Is the job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Worcester growing?
While specific growth trends aren't detailed, the stable workforce size and a Location Quotient near the national average suggest a consistent demand for these roles in Worcester's hospitality sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,370 employees in the Worcester, MA area with a job density of 12.414 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 Worcester, MA