Server Server Salary in Iowa City, IA

Server Salary in Iowa City, IA

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
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City
Salary

How much does a Server make in Iowa City, IA?

The average salary for a Server is $32,070 per year in Iowa City, IA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Server jobs in Iowa City, IA, showing an average salary of $32,070 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Server jobs in Iowa City, IA, showing an average salary of $2,672 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Server jobs in Iowa City, IA, showing an average salary of $617 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Server jobs in Iowa City, IA, showing an average salary of $15 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Iowa City, IA, servers earn a good salary that can help meet many of life's needs. The average yearly salary for a server in this city is $32,070. Most servers fall within this range, although some earn more or less depending on various factors. This income can support a comfortable lifestyle in Iowa City.

Here are some details about server salaries in Iowa City:

  • 25% of servers earn less than $23,653 per year.
  • 50% of servers earn between $23,653 and $29,755 per year.
  • 75% of servers earn more than $29,755 per year.

These numbers show that many servers in Iowa City make a decent living, but there is also potential for higher earnings with more experience or higher-end restaurants.

Server jobs in Iowa City, IA
View all Server jobs in Iowa City, IA

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

Explore higher-paying server jobs near Iowa City, IA. Ankeny, IA leads with an average salary of $45,905, offering excellent opportunities. Des Moines, IA follows closely with a salary of $38,153, making it another promising area. Servers in Clinton, IA can expect $35,983, while Coralville and Fort Dodge provide competitive wages of $33,878 and $33,502 respectively. Urbandale, IA, offers $32,448, with Ames, Pella, Marion, and Waterloo ranging from $32,265 to $31,836. Each of these cities presents good earning potential for server jobs.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Server jobs near Iowa City, IA, highlighting Ankeny, IA with the highest at $45,905 and Waterloo, IA with the lowest at $31,836.

  1. Ankeny, IA
    Average Salary: $45,905
    Ankeny offers many places to work as a server, from casual diners to upscale restaurants. Many servers here value the friendly community and the chance to meet new people daily.
    Find Server jobs in Ankeny, IA


  2. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $38,153
    In Des Moines, servers work in a variety of eateries, including some of the city's prominent restaurants. The diverse culinary scene provides many opportunities to learn and grow in this role.
    Find Server jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Clinton, IA
    Average Salary: $35,983
    Clinton is known for its welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place for servers. With several local businesses, servers here enjoy a tight-knit community and a chance to become part of it.
    Find Server jobs in Clinton, IA


  4. Coralville, IA
    Average Salary: $33,878
    Coralville's growing restaurant scene offers servers a dynamic work environment. Servers in Coralville appreciate the balance between a smaller city feel and access to larger market opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in Coralville, IA


  5. Fort Dodge, IA
    Average Salary: $33,502
    Fort Dodge provides a cozy setting for servers to thrive. Working here means being part of a close-knit community with a variety of dining options to choose from.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  6. Urbandale, IA
    Average Salary: $32,448
    Urbandale's vibrant restaurant industry is ideal for servers seeking a lively work environment. The city's diverse dining options offer plenty of opportunities to serve a wide range of customers.
    Find Server jobs in Urbandale, IA


  7. Ames, IA
    Average Salary: $32,265
    Ames boasts a dynamic food scene, perfect for servers looking for excitement. With a mix of student-friendly spots and established eateries, servers here can always find fresh challenges.
    Find Server jobs in Ames, IA


  8. Pella, IA
    Average Salary: $32,217
    Pella offers a charming environment for servers to work in. The city's quaint and welcoming nature makes it easy for servers to connect with guests and the community.
    Find Server jobs in Pella, IA


  9. Marion, IA
    Average Salary: $32,100
    Marion provides a friendly setting for servers to work in. The city's smaller size means servers can develop strong relationships with regulars and patrons alike.
    Find Server jobs in Marion, IA


  10. Waterloo, IA
    Average Salary: $31,836
    Waterloo's diverse dining options make it an excellent place for servers. The city's supportive community offers plenty of chances to grow and thrive in this role.
    Find Server jobs in Waterloo, IA

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

Companies in Iowa City, like Sam's Pizza and Bread Garden Market, offer competitive salaries for server positions. Both companies provide annual salaries close to $35,000. Additionally, Carlos O'Kelly's pays a similar amount for this role, making it a solid choice for those seeking good compensation. Higher-paying opportunities also exist at larger institutions such as The University of Iowa. This employer pays a little less than $34,500 per year, offering a chance to work in a dynamic environment. Consider these employers when looking for a rewarding server job in Iowa City.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Server jobs in Iowa City, IA, highlighting Sam's Pizza with the highest at $36,000 and Schulte Hospitality Group with the lowest at $22,000.

  1. Sam's Pizza
    Average Salary: $36,000
    Sam's Pizza, located in Iowa City, offers a warm and welcoming environment for Server jobs. Employees enjoy a friendly team and a chance to grow in the bustling food service industry. The restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and students, providing ample opportunity to develop excellent customer service skills.


  2. Bread Garden Market
    Average Salary: $35,000
    Bread Garden Market provides a unique work experience for servers in Iowa City. The market focuses on fresh, local produce, giving servers a chance to connect with the community. This company offers a supportive environment and a vibrant atmosphere for those interested in the food and retail industry.


  3. Carlos O'Kelly's
    Average Salary: $35,000
    At Carlos O'Kelly's, servers in Iowa City enjoy a lively and dynamic work setting. This popular spot is known for its vibrant nightlife and friendly patrons. Servers here have the opportunity to develop strong customer engagement skills in a fun and energetic environment.


  4. The University of Iowa
    Average Salary: $34,530
    The University of Iowa offers competitive Server positions for those looking to work in a dynamic and educational environment. Servers will interact with a diverse population, including students and faculty. This role provides valuable experience in a fast-paced setting with the opportunity for growth.


  5. Oaknoll Retirement Residence
    Average Salary: $30,460
    Oaknoll Retirement Residence offers a caring and respectful work environment for servers in Iowa City. Servers will serve meals to residents, providing essential service in a supportive setting. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working with an older population and value community service.


  6. Aramark
    Average Salary: $27,650
    Aramark provides various Server positions in Iowa City, offering opportunities in multiple locations. Servers will work in different environments, gaining diverse experience. Aramark values its employees and provides training and growth opportunities for those looking to advance in the food service industry.


  7. Schulte Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $22,000
    Schulte Hospitality Group offers entry-level Server positions in Iowa City. Servers will learn essential skills in a professional setting, providing a strong foundation for a career in hospitality. This company offers supportive training and development for those just starting in the industry.

Currently 15,526 Server job openings, nationwide.

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