Server Salary in Iowa City, IA

Updated on May 09, 2025
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How much does a Server make in Iowa City, IA?

The average salary for a Server is $31,395 per year in Iowa City, IA.

In Iowa City, IA, a server can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average salary for this position is around $31,395 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, the type of establishment, and other factors. Servers often work in busy environments, serving customers in restaurants, cafes, and other dining establishments.

The salary range for servers in Iowa City can span from $21,300 to $43,750 annually. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of this range, while more experienced servers can earn towards the higher end. Some servers may also receive tips, which can add to their overall earnings. This can make the job even more rewarding for those who enjoy interacting with customers and working in a dynamic environment.

Server jobs in Iowa City, IA

What are the highest paying cities for a Server near Iowa City, IA?

Job seekers looking for server positions can find good opportunities near Iowa City, IA. The highest paying cities in the area include Ankeny, IA, and Des Moines, IA, with average salaries of $37,568 and $36,662, respectively. These cities offer competitive pay and a chance to work in a thriving tech environment.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Server jobs near Iowa City, IA, highlighting Ankeny, IA with the highest at $37,568 and Marion, IA with the lowest at $32,828.
  1. Ankeny, IA
    Average Salary: $37,568
    Ankeny offers a vibrant community with many opportunities for those in the service industry. With a strong local economy, servers can find work in various restaurants and cafes. The area's friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to build a career.
    Find Server jobs in Ankeny, IA


  2. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $36,662
    Des Moines is a bustling city with a diverse dining scene. Servers here enjoy working in a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale dining. The city's vibrant culture provides a dynamic environment for those in the service industry.
    Find Server jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Clinton, IA
    Average Salary: $35,815
    Clinton provides a welcoming environment for servers. The city's smaller size means servers often build close relationships with customers. With a range of dining options, there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience and grow professionally.
    Find Server jobs in Clinton, IA


  4. Muscatine, IA
    Average Salary: $33,775
    Muscatine offers a charming setting for servers. The city's quaint and friendly atmosphere makes for a pleasant work environment. Servers can find work in a variety of local restaurants, enjoying the close-knit community feel.
    Find Server jobs in Muscatine, IA


  5. Waterloo, IA
    Average Salary: $33,574
    Waterloo is a growing city with a diverse food scene. Servers here can work in a range of establishments, from family-owned diners to trendy cafes. The city's vibrant community offers a dynamic and supportive environment for those in the service industry.
    Find Server jobs in Waterloo, IA


  6. Urbandale, IA
    Average Salary: $33,368
    Urbandale provides a lively environment for servers. The city's many restaurants and cafes offer diverse opportunities for those in the service industry. Servers can enjoy a supportive community and a variety of dining experiences.
    Find Server jobs in Urbandale, IA


  7. Fort Dodge, IA
    Average Salary: $33,272
    Fort Dodge offers a welcoming atmosphere for servers. The city's smaller size means servers often build close relationships with customers. With a range of dining options, there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience and grow professionally.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  8. West Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $32,931
    West Des Moines is a vibrant city with a thriving dining scene. Servers here can work in a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale dining. The city's dynamic culture provides a great environment for those in the service industry.
    Find Server jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  9. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $32,896
    Cedar Rapids offers a diverse dining scene for servers. The city's many restaurants and cafes provide a range of opportunities. Servers can enjoy a supportive community and a variety of dining experiences in this vibrant city.
    Find Server jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  10. Marion, IA
    Average Salary: $32,828
    Marion provides a friendly environment for servers. The city's smaller size means servers often build close relationships with customers. With a range of dining options, there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience and grow professionally.
    Find Server jobs in Marion, IA

What are the best paying companies for a Server in Iowa City, IA?

Job seekers looking for server positions in Iowa City, IA, can find competitive salaries at The Stuffed Olive and Sam's Pizza. The Stuffed Olive offers an annual salary of $43,750, while Sam's Pizza provides $36,000 per year. These positions offer good pay and the chance to work in a dynamic environment. Another top employer is Carlos O'Kelly's, which pays $35,000 per year. The University of Iowa also offers a solid salary of $34,176 annually. These companies provide good opportunities for those seeking stable and rewarding server jobs.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Server jobs in Iowa City, IA, highlighting The Stuffed Olive with the highest at $43,750 and Courtyard by Marriott with the lowest at $19,667.
  1. The Stuffed Olive
    Average Salary: $43,750
    The Stuffed Olive offers a vibrant work environment with a focus on customer service. Located in Iowa City, the company provides a welcoming atmosphere for servers to thrive. The Stuffed Olive is known for its delicious menu and friendly staff.


  2. Sam's Pizza
    Average Salary: $36,000
    Sam's Pizza is a local favorite, known for its delicious pizza and warm service. Servers at Sam's Pizza enjoy a friendly work environment and the opportunity to interact with a diverse customer base. The restaurant is located in the heart of Iowa City.


  3. Carlos O'Kelly's
    Average Salary: $35,000
    Carlos O'Kelly's offers a lively atmosphere with a focus on great service and delicious food. Servers at Carlos O'Kelly's work in a dynamic environment and have the chance to serve a variety of patrons. The restaurant is a popular spot in Iowa City.


  4. The University of Iowa
    Average Salary: $34,176
    The University of Iowa provides a unique work environment for servers, with a focus on serving students and faculty. The university offers a range of dining options, providing servers with diverse experiences. The university is located in Iowa City.


  5. Panda Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $34,000
    Panda Restaurant Group offers a welcoming atmosphere with a focus on customer satisfaction. The company provides servers with opportunities to grow and develop their skills. Panda Restaurant Group is located in Iowa City.


  6. Bread Garden Market
    Average Salary: $32,333
    Bread Garden Market offers a friendly work environment with a focus on quality food and service. Servers at Bread Garden Market enjoy a supportive atmosphere and the chance to serve a diverse customer base. The market is located in Iowa City.


  7. Oaknoll Retirement Residence
    Average Salary: $29,769
    Oaknoll Retirement Residence provides a peaceful work environment for servers, with a focus on serving residents. The company offers a supportive atmosphere and the chance to serve a caring community. Oaknoll Retirement Residence is located in Iowa City.


  8. Oaknoll
    Average Salary: $28,500
    Oaknoll offers a supportive work environment for servers, with a focus on serving residents. The company provides a peaceful atmosphere and the chance to serve a caring community. Oaknoll is located in Iowa City.


  9. Buffalo Wild Wings
    Average Salary: $28,350
    Buffalo Wild Wings offers a fun and energetic work environment for servers. The company provides a lively atmosphere with a focus on great service and delicious food. Buffalo Wild Wings is located in Iowa City.


  10. Courtyard by Marriott
    Average Salary: $19,667
    Courtyard by Marriott offers a professional work environment for servers, with a focus on providing excellent service. The company provides a supportive atmosphere and the chance to serve a diverse customer base. Courtyard by Marriott is located in Iowa City.

Currently 24,699 Server job openings, nationwide.

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Server
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