Server Salaries

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Server make?

The average salary for a Server is $32,399 per year in the US.

Working as a server offers a range of salaries, allowing for good earning potential in the hospitality industry. The average yearly salary for servers stands at approximately $32,399. This number varies based on experience, location, and the type of establishment.


Here is a look at the salary breakdown for servers:


  • 7.2% earn around $20,000
  • 12.9% bring in about $23,182
  • 15.9% make approximately $26,364
  • 22.0% receive around $29,545
  • 15.2% earn about $32,727
  • 8.7% make roughly $35,909
  • 7.0% bring in around $39,091
  • 2.6% receive about $42,273
  • 1.3% earn roughly $45,455
  • 1.3% make approximately $48,636
  • 0.9% bring in about $51,818
  • The top earners can make around $55,000

This salary range demonstrates that hard work and dedication can lead to higher earnings in this role. Many servers also earn tips, which significantly increase their total income. Thus, being a server can be a rewarding choice both financially and personally.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Server?

Job seekers looking for server positions can find some of the highest salaries in cities like Boston, MA, and Seattle, WA, where average earnings reach around $43,374 and $43,220 respectively. San Francisco, CA, and San Jose, CA also offer strong pay, with averages nearing $42,823 and $40,398. Exploring opportunities in these cities may lead to financial growth and fulfilling career paths in the service industry.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Server jobs, highlighting Boston, MA with the highest at $43,374 and Hartford, CT with the lowest at $38,010.
  1. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $43,374
    Working as a server in Boston offers a chance to be part of a vibrant dining scene. Upscale restaurants and unique eateries, like Legal Sea Foods, provide a variety of experiences for both patrons and employees.
    Find Server jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $43,220
    In Seattle, servers enjoy working in a city known for its coffee culture and fresh seafood. Local favorites such as Pike Place Market bring a steady flow of customers looking for quality service and unique dining experiences.
    Find Server jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $42,823
    San Francisco's diverse culinary landscape makes it an exciting place for servers. With top restaurants and renowned chains like The Cheesecake Factory, workers meet people from all walks of life while creating memorable dining moments.
    Find Server jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $40,398
    San Jose offers a bustling tech environment that influences its food scene. As a server here, you will engage with a mix of locals and professionals from nearby Silicon Valley, which often leads to fast-paced and dynamic shifts.
    Find Server jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $40,227
    Servers in Washington, DC have the unique opportunity to work around government officials and tourists. Many fine dining establishments thrive in the area, such as The Capital Grille, offering an exciting atmosphere for food service.
    Find Server jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $39,006
    Charleston is famous for its Southern charm and culinary delights. Serving in this historic city allows you to work in prestigious places, such as Husk, while providing a warm and welcoming experience to guests.
    Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $38,359
    In Los Angeles, servers thrive in a glam-packed environment, often interacting with celebrities and foodies alike. The diverse range of dining options, from food trucks to upscale restaurants like Nobu, keeps the work environment lively.
    Find Server jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $38,353
    Stamford’s dining scene provides a blend of relaxed and upscale environments for servers. Working in restaurants like Bar Rosso, you will cater to both local residents and visitors seeking delightful meals.
    Find Server jobs in Stamford, CT


  9. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $38,306
    Denver’s booming food scene presents many opportunities for servers to engage with enthusiastic diners. The city is known for its craft breweries and fresh farm-to-table restaurants, making it an exciting place to work.
    Find Server jobs in Denver, CO


  10. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $38,010
    In Hartford, servers can find great opportunities in a city that blends history with modern dining experiences. Working in establishments like Max Downtown allows servers to provide top-notch service while building connections with guests.
    Find Server jobs in Hartford, CT

What are the best companies a Server can work for?

Job seekers aiming for high-paying server positions should consider companies like SeKon Enterprise, Inc, which offers an impressive average salary of $149,800. Other well-paying options include Backyard Products LLC at $120,513 and Unilever at $115,420. These companies not only provide competitive salaries but also offer great opportunities for career growth in the hospitality industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Server jobs, highlighting SeKon Enterprise, Inc with the highest at $149,800 and Nine Mile Station with the lowest at $75,000.
  1. SeKon Enterprise, Inc
    Average Salary: $149,800
    At SeKon Enterprise, Inc., servers can expect a competitive salary along with a dynamic work environment. The company operates mainly in the Washington D.C. area, offering server roles that emphasize customer service excellence.


  2. Backyard Products LLC
    Average Salary: $120,513
    Backyard Products LLC provides a great opportunity for servers, especially in its locations across the Midwest. The company values its team members and offers a supportive atmosphere, allowing servers to thrive.


  3. Unilever
    Average Salary: $115,420
    Unilever is known for its commitment to employee satisfaction. Servers at Unilever enjoy well-structured roles, mainly in corporate dining settings, with opportunities across various locations throughout the United States.


  4. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $104,100
    Deloitte offers an exciting setting for servers in its corporate environments, particularly in major cities like New York and Chicago. The company focuses on high-quality service, providing a rewarding experience for its servers.


  5. DNV
    Average Salary: $95,554
    At DNV, servers can find competitive wages and a professional atmosphere. The company operates in several locations across North America, promoting a culture of safety and customer satisfaction in dining.


  6. Legal Sea Foods
    Average Salary: $92,238
    Legal Sea Foods is a well-known restaurant chain that offers great salaries for servers. With locations primarily on the East Coast, the company prides itself on fresh seafood and top-notch customer service.


  7. The Mark Hotel
    Average Salary: $78,000
    The Mark Hotel provides an upscale dining experience in New York City. Servers here not only earn competitive salaries but also have the chance to work in a luxurious environment serving high-profile guests.


  8. Barley Hospitality
    Average Salary: $76,786
    Barley Hospitality includes a range of dining options where servers can enjoy a good environment and competitive pay. With various locations across the Midwest, the company focuses on showcasing local ingredients.


  9. Saints + Council
    Average Salary: $75,873
    At Saints + Council, servers work in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Located in urban centers, the company emphasizes creativity in its food and service, offering an enjoyable experience for servers.


  10. Nine Mile Station
    Average Salary: $75,000
    Nine Mile Station provides a unique outdoor dining experience in Denver, Colorado. Servers here can expect competitive salaries while working in a fun and relaxed setting that attracts locals and visitors alike.

How to earn more as a Server?

As a server, you can boost your earnings by focusing on a few key factors. By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your tips and overall income.

  • Provide Excellent Service: Always strive to give your customers the best experience. Remember their names, check on them regularly, and be attentive to their needs.
  • Upsell Menu Items: Suggest appetizers, desserts, or drinks that complement their meal. Increased sales often lead to higher tips.
  • Build Regular Customers: Create a rapport with repeat customers. Familiar faces usually leave better tips.
  • Work Busy Shifts: Pick shifts during peak hours to serve more customers. The higher the volume, the greater your earning potential.
  • Improve Your Knowledge: Learn about the menu items in detail. Being able to answer questions or recommend dishes can impress customers and lead to better tips.

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Currently 42,093 Server job openings, nationwide!

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Position
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Server
42,093 Job Openings