How much does a Dining Room Server make?
A dining room server plays a key role in the restaurant industry. They work with guests to ensure a pleasant dining experience. The average yearly salary for a dining room server is around $34,400. This can vary based on experience, location, and the type of restaurant. Many servers also earn tips, which can add to their income.
The salary for dining room servers can range widely. The bottom 10% earn about $20,000 a year. The top 10% earn more than $70,000 annually. Most servers fall somewhere in the middle. Those who work in busy restaurants or tourist areas often earn more. Experience also plays a big part. Servers with more experience usually make more money. Some servers choose to work part-time, which can affect their overall earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dining Room Server?

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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $53,642
In Charleston, serving tables offers a unique blend of hospitality and charm. With its historic charm and vibrant dining scene, servers work in settings that range from elegant to casual. Many restaurants, like the renowned Fleet Landing, provide a lively atmosphere.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $52,670
Miami's dining scene is lively and diverse. Servers enjoy a fast-paced environment with a mix of tourists and locals. Working at popular spots like Joe's Stone Crab can offer a dynamic and rewarding experience.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $50,883
Detroit's dining scene is on the rise. Servers find a mix of traditional and modern dining experiences. Working at establishments like Selden Standard provides a chance to be part of the city's culinary revival.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $49,666
Boston offers a rich dining culture with historic and contemporary options. Servers work in settings that range from upscale to casual. Places like Legal Sea Foods provide a taste of the city's maritime heritage.
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Savannah, GA
Average Salary: $48,673
Savannah's dining scene is steeped in Southern charm. Servers enjoy a slower pace with a focus on hospitality. Working at establishments like The Collins Quarter offers a taste of the city's rich history.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $44,457
Dallas has a vibrant dining scene with a mix of traditional and modern restaurants. Servers work in a fast-paced environment with a diverse clientele. Places like The Grill at The Adolphus offer a luxurious dining experience.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $44,282
Houston's dining scene is diverse and growing. Servers enjoy a dynamic environment with a mix of cuisines. Working at spots like Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen offers a taste of the city's culinary diversity.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $44,147
Seattle's dining scene is known for its fresh, local ingredients. Servers work in a vibrant and innovative environment. Places like Canlis offer a chance to be part of the city's culinary reputation.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $41,736
San Francisco's dining scene is eclectic and diverse. Servers enjoy a dynamic and innovative environment. Working at places like The Slanted Door offers a chance to experience the city's culinary creativity.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $41,704
San Jose's dining scene is vibrant and diverse. Servers work in a fast-paced environment with a mix of cuisines. Places like The French Laundry offer a chance to be part of the city's culinary excellence.
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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: $54,907
The Hyde Park Restaurant Group offers rewarding Dining Room Server jobs with competitive pay. They operate in several locations, including Chicago, IL, and Washington, D.C. Their focus on customer service and team environment makes it a great place to work.
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Red Lobster
Average Salary: $42,542
Red Lobster provides Dining Room Server positions with a good salary. They have locations across the United States, including Florida, Texas, and California. Working here means being part of a well-known brand and enjoying a supportive work environment.
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Merrill Gardens
Average Salary: $40,434
Merrill Gardens offers Dining Room Server jobs with a pleasant work environment. They operate in several locations, including Minnesota and Wisconsin. Employees enjoy a family-like atmosphere and the chance to work with a diverse clientele.
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Pinehurst Resort
Average Salary: $39,000
Pinehurst Resort provides Dining Room Server positions with a good salary. They are located in North Carolina. Working here means being part of a prestigious resort and enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
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1 Hotels
Average Salary: $37,677
1 Hotels offers Dining Room Server jobs with a competitive salary. They have locations in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Employees enjoy a modern work environment and the chance to work with a creative team.
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Sunset Country Club
Average Salary: $37,000
Sunset Country Club provides Dining Room Server positions with a good salary. They are located in California. Working here means being part of an exclusive club and enjoying a luxurious work environment.
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Village Concepts
Average Salary: $35,255
Village Concepts offers Dining Room Server jobs with a decent salary. They operate in several locations, including Florida and Texas. Employees enjoy a friendly work environment and the chance to work with a diverse clientele.
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Benchmark Senior Living
Average Salary: $33,813
Benchmark Senior Living provides Dining Room Server positions with a good salary. They have locations in several states, including California and Florida. Working here means being part of a caring community and enjoying a supportive work environment.
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Hamister Group, LLC
Average Salary: $33,000
Hamister Group, LLC offers Dining Room Server jobs with a decent salary. They operate in several locations, including Illinois and Indiana. Employees enjoy a family-like atmosphere and the chance to work with a diverse clientele.
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Sunrise Senior Living
Average Salary: $32,465
Sunrise Senior Living provides Dining Room Server positions with a good salary. They have locations in several states, including California and Florida. Working here means being part of a caring community and enjoying a supportive work environment.
How to earn more as a Dining Room Server?
A Dining Room Server can increase earnings by focusing on several key areas. These areas not only improve job performance but also enhance customer satisfaction. This leads to higher tips and better job opportunities. One important factor is developing strong communication skills. Clear and polite interactions with customers can make a big difference. Another factor is being attentive and efficient. Quick service and attentiveness can lead to repeat customers and higher tips.
Additionally, learning the menu thoroughly helps in making better recommendations. This can lead to larger orders and higher tips. Another factor is maintaining a positive attitude. A cheerful demeanor can improve the dining experience and lead to better tips. Lastly, building relationships with regular customers can lead to repeat business. This can result in consistent income and higher tips over time. By focusing on these areas, a Dining Room Server can significantly increase earnings.
Here are five factors to consider:
- Develop strong communication skills.
- Be attentive and efficient.
- Learn the menu thoroughly.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Build relationships with regular customers.