Dining Room Server Salaries
How much does a Dining Room Server make?
A dining room server plays a key role in the hospitality industry. This role involves serving food and drinks to guests in a restaurant. The average salary for a dining room server can vary. It often depends on experience and location. The lowest-paid servers earn around $15,770 a year. The highest-paid servers earn over $65,000 annually. Most servers earn between $22,000 and $34,000 each year.
The salary for a dining room server can increase with experience. Entry-level servers may start at the lower end of the salary range. As they gain more experience, they can move up to higher pay grades. Tips also play a big part in a server's earnings. Many servers rely on tips to supplement their base pay. This can lead to higher overall earnings, especially in busy restaurants.
What are the highest paying cities for a Dining Room Server?

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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $60,198
In Charleston, serving tables offers a unique blend of hospitality and history. With its charming restaurants, servers enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. Guests appreciate polite service, making it a rewarding experience.
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Savannah, GA
Average Salary: $53,661
Savannah's dining scene is rich with southern charm. Servers work in elegant settings, often in historic buildings. The city's warm hospitality makes every shift enjoyable.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $51,075
Detroit's dining industry is diverse and dynamic. Servers work in a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale bistros. The city's rich culture adds to the dining experience.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $50,117
Houston's food scene is vast and varied. Servers find opportunities in many types of restaurants, from Tex-Mex to international cuisine. The city's energetic vibe makes serving here exciting.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $48,511
Miami's dining scene is vibrant and multicultural. Servers work in lively restaurants, often with a Latin influence. The city's festive atmosphere enhances the serving experience.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $48,297
Boston offers a historic and diverse dining scene. Servers work in a range of establishments, from traditional seafood spots to modern eateries. The city's rich culture adds depth to the job.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $47,035
Dallas's dining industry is growing and diverse. Servers find work in many types of restaurants, from steakhouses to trendy cafes. The city's friendly atmosphere makes serving here pleasant.
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Oklahoma City, OK
Average Salary: $42,194
Oklahoma City's dining scene is welcoming and diverse. Servers work in a variety of settings, from casual diners to upscale restaurants. The city's warm hospitality makes every shift enjoyable.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $42,000
Wichita offers a friendly and diverse dining scene. Servers work in many types of restaurants, from family-owned diners to modern bistros. The city's welcoming atmosphere makes serving here rewarding.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $41,955
Seattle's dining scene is innovative and vibrant. Servers work in a variety of restaurants, from trendy cafes to seafood spots. The city's unique culture adds to the dining experience.
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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: $54,669
Hyde Park Restaurant Group offers rewarding Dining Room Server jobs. They operate several restaurants in the Chicago area. Servers here enjoy a friendly work environment and opportunities for growth.
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The Melting Pot Restaurant
Average Salary: $54,641
The Melting Pot Restaurant provides excellent Dining Room Server positions. They have locations across the United States. Employees here benefit from a supportive team and a fun dining experience.
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Red Lobster
Average Salary: $45,725
Red Lobster is a well-known seafood restaurant with many locations nationwide. They offer competitive salaries for Dining Room Servers. Employees enjoy a lively atmosphere and the chance to work with a diverse team.
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Copper Canyon Grill
Average Salary: $43,160
Copper Canyon Grill provides Dining Room Server jobs with a focus on customer service. They have locations in the Midwest. Servers here work in a warm, welcoming environment.
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Indeed Flex
Average Salary: $40,581
Indeed Flex offers flexible Dining Room Server jobs. They have various locations across the country. Servers here can work on their own schedule and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
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1 Hotels
Average Salary: $37,343
1 Hotels provides Dining Room Server positions with a focus on luxury service. They have locations in major cities. Employees here enjoy a prestigious work environment and the chance to serve high-end clientele.
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Merrill Gardens
Average Salary: $37,318
Merrill Gardens offers Dining Room Server jobs in a serene setting. They have locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. Servers here work in a peaceful environment and enjoy a supportive community.
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Woodfield Country Club
Average Salary: $35,147
Woodfield Country Club provides Dining Room Server positions with a focus on member service. They have a location in Illinois. Employees here enjoy a prestigious work environment and the chance to serve club members.
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Fountain View Village
Average Salary: $35,125
Fountain View Village offers Dining Room Server jobs in a welcoming environment. They have a location in Illinois. Servers here work in a friendly community and enjoy a supportive team.
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Village Concepts
Average Salary: $34,500
Village Concepts provides Dining Room Server positions with a focus on community service. They have locations in various states. Employees here enjoy a supportive work environment and the chance to serve a diverse clientele.
How to earn more as a Dining Room Server?
A Dining Room Server can increase earnings through several key strategies. Building strong relationships with guests enhances repeat business and tips. A warm, friendly greeting and attentive service create a memorable dining experience. Active listening and remembering guest preferences can lead to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
Improving efficiency and teamwork also boosts earnings. Learning to multitask and manage time well allows for serving more guests. Collaborating with kitchen staff ensures smooth service. Clear communication and a positive attitude foster a productive work environment. These skills can lead to higher tips and better job performance reviews, which may result in raises or bonuses.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more:
- Guest Relationships: Build rapport with guests for repeat business.
- Efficiency: Multitask and manage time well to serve more guests.
- Teamwork: Collaborate with kitchen staff for smooth service.
- Communication: Use clear and positive communication to enhance teamwork.
- Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude to improve job performance.