How much does a Dining Room Server make?
A Dining Room Server earns an average yearly salary of $34,405. This job involves serving food and drinks to guests in a restaurant. The salary can vary based on experience and location. For example, servers in larger cities often earn more than those in smaller towns.
The salary range for Dining Room Servers can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn less than $20,000 a year. The highest 10% earn more than $70,000. Most servers fall somewhere in the middle. Tips can make a big difference in a server's income. Many servers rely on tips to supplement their base pay. This means that hard work and good customer service can lead to higher earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dining Room Server?

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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $54,351
In Charleston, serving tables offers a unique blend of hospitality and charm. With its historic charm and vibrant dining scene, servers work in elegant settings. Many restaurants, like The Ordinary and Husk, provide a memorable dining experience.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $52,670
Miami's bustling dining scene makes it an exciting place for servers. The city's diverse culture shines through its food. Servers work in trendy spots like Zuma and Joe's Stone Crab, providing lively and dynamic service.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $51,100
Detroit's dining scene is vibrant and growing. Servers enjoy a mix of traditional and modern cuisine. Working in places like Selden Standard or Corktown offers a chance to be part of the city's culinary renaissance.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $49,443
Boston's rich history and diverse dining scene create a unique environment for servers. From historic pubs to modern eateries, servers enjoy a dynamic work setting. Places like Legal Sea Foods and O Ya offer a taste of Boston's culinary heritage.
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Savannah, GA
Average Salary: $47,652
Savannah's charm and southern hospitality make it a delightful place for servers. The city's historic dining spots provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Servers work in elegant settings like The Grey and Husk, offering a taste of Southern elegance.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $44,666
Seattle's vibrant food scene offers a dynamic environment for servers. The city's love for fresh, local ingredients creates a unique dining experience. Servers work in trendy spots like Canlis and The Pink Door, enjoying the city's culinary creativity.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $44,118
Dallas's diverse dining scene offers a variety of opportunities for servers. The city's vibrant culture is reflected in its food. Servers work in trendy spots like The Grill and Pecan Lodge, providing a lively and engaging service experience.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $42,666
Houston's diverse and growing dining scene makes it an exciting place for servers. The city's rich culinary heritage offers a variety of dining experiences. Servers work in places like Uchi and Pappadeaux, enjoying the vibrant food culture.
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Oklahoma City, OK
Average Salary: $42,202
Oklahoma City's growing dining scene offers a mix of traditional and modern cuisine. Servers enjoy a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The city's unique food culture provides a dynamic work environment in places like The Butcher and The Brand.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $41,409
San Jose's vibrant dining scene offers a variety of opportunities for servers. The city's tech-savvy culture is reflected in its food. Servers work in trendy spots like The Farm at 4th and trendy cafes, enjoying the dynamic culinary landscape.
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What are the best companies a Dining Room Server can work for?

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Hyde Park Restaurant Group
Average Salary: $55,247
Hyde Park Restaurant Group offers rewarding dining room server positions. They operate in several locations, including Chicago, IL, and Washington, D.C. Their servers enjoy a dynamic work environment and opportunities for growth.
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Red Lobster
Average Salary: $42,542
Red Lobster provides dining room server jobs with a focus on customer service. They have locations across the United States and Canada. Servers here benefit from a supportive team and a family-friendly atmosphere.
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Merrill Gardens
Average Salary: $40,754
Merrill Gardens offers dining room server positions in their senior living facilities. They operate in several states, including Illinois and Michigan. Their servers work in a caring environment, making a difference in residents' lives.
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Pinehurst Resort
Average Salary: $39,000
Pinehurst Resort provides dining room server jobs with a focus on hospitality. They are located in North Carolina. Servers here enjoy a beautiful setting and the chance to work in a renowned resort.
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1 Hotels
Average Salary: $37,626
1 Hotels offers dining room server positions with a modern twist. They have locations in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Servers here benefit from a trendy atmosphere and opportunities for professional development.
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Sunset Country Club
Average Salary: $37,000
Sunset Country Club offers dining room server jobs in a prestigious setting. They are located in California. Servers here enjoy a high-end environment and the chance to work with a diverse clientele.
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Village Concepts
Average Salary: $35,327
Village Concepts provides dining room server positions in their senior living communities. They operate in several states, including Florida and Texas. Servers here benefit from a supportive team and a caring environment.
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Benchmark Senior Living
Average Salary: $33,963
Benchmark Senior Living offers dining room server jobs in their senior living facilities. They have locations in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. Servers here enjoy a supportive team and a focus on resident care.
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Dial Senior Living
Average Salary: $33,427
Dial Senior Living provides dining room server positions in their senior living communities. They operate in several states, including Arizona and Nevada. Servers here benefit from a caring environment and opportunities for growth.
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Hamister Group, LLC
Average Salary: $33,000
Hamister Group, LLC offers dining room server jobs in their senior living facilities. They have locations in states like New York and New Jersey. Servers here enjoy a supportive team and a focus on resident care.
How to earn more as a Dining Room Server?
To earn more as a Dining Room Server, focus on enhancing skills and work habits. This can lead to higher tips and better job opportunities. Attention to detail, speed, and customer service skills are key. These factors can make a server stand out and earn more.
Consider the following factors to increase earnings:
- Speed and Efficiency: Serve quickly and accurately. This allows for more tables and tips.
- Customer Service: Be friendly and attentive. Happy customers leave bigger tips.
- Knowledge of Menu: Know the menu well. Recommend items and specials to enhance the dining experience.
- Teamwork: Work well with other servers and kitchen staff. A smooth operation leads to better service and tips.
- Upselling: Suggest add-ons like appetizers or drinks. This can increase the bill and tips.



