Asheville Service Workers Face Low Wages as Rent Rises, Report Finds

ASHEVILLE – High rent, low wages, little-to-no paid time off, no sick leave, and unfair work hours are just some of the challenges faced by service workers in Asheville, as highlighted in the 2024 Hospitality Worker Survey conducted by UNC Asheville and Just Economics of Western North Carolina.

During the survey release on May 13, a bartender with 17 years of experience in the local service industry expressed concerns about the lack of support for workers in the hospitality sector. Many employers do not adequately address the issues faced by their employees.

More than 85% of the hospitality workers surveyed admitted to going to work while sick, with less than 24% receiving sick pay. Additionally, over 36% reported working more than 40 hours per week, and some had to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet. Shockingly, 37.5% of respondents were paid below $18 per hour, significantly lower than the estimated living wage of $22.10 per hour for the region.

Increasing Costs in Asheville

As the cost of living in Asheville continues to rise and the tourism industry expands, workers are advocating for change to address the disparity between their wages and the high rental prices in the region.

The Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Region, which includes Henderson and Madison counties, has the highest fair market rent in North Carolina according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. With an estimated cost of $1,428 for a one-bedroom apartment, Asheville surpasses cities like Raleigh and is just behind Atlanta in terms of rental expenses.

‘No Good Reason’ for Low Wages

UNC Asheville Professor of Health and Wellness explained that the survey gathered data over a year through online surveys and discussion groups with hospitality workers. While the sample size was small, the responses provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by service workers in Asheville.

The report revealed that only around 63% of service workers in Asheville earn a living wage, forcing many to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. The median income for food preparation and serving related occupations in Asheville was reported at $13.81 per hour, with an annual mean wage of $31,400, the lowest among different occupations in the region.

Pursuing Solutions

Just Economics Housing and Wages Coordinator emphasized the need for higher pay and improved working conditions for hospitality workers in Asheville. She believes that better compensation and support for employees will not only benefit the workers but also enhance the quality of service provided by businesses in the region.

Just Economics has been actively working to address these issues by expanding their living wage certification program, which now includes over 453 employers in Asheville. Companies that participate in the program pledge to pay at least $19 per hour, with a commitment to annual wage increases to meet the living wage standards.

Local Policy Reforms

Despite the progress made through initiatives like the living wage certification program, there is still more work to be done to ensure fair compensation for all workers in the hospitality industry. Just Economics Executive Director highlighted the need for city and county policies that support higher wages and better working conditions for service workers.

Asheville continues to grapple with issues of affordability and income disparity, with organizations advocating for change and greater support for workers in the region.

The full report on the 2024 Hospitality Worker Survey conducted by Just Economics can be accessed here.