How much does a Restaurant Crew make?
Working as restaurant crew can be a good entry-level job. Employees in this role support chefs and kitchen staff by preparing food and serving customers. According to recent data, the average yearly salary for restaurant crew is $31,956. This average includes a wide range of salaries.
Most restaurant crew members earn between $22,000 and $38,369 per year. These figures show how salaries can vary. A few key points include:
- About 27.54% of restaurant crew workers earn between $28,139 and $30,185.
- Another 11.92% earn between $30,185 and $32,231.
- Only a small number of workers earn the highest salaries, around $44,508 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Restaurant Crew?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $40,795
Join the vibrant dining scene in San Diego, where culinary excellence thrives. Work in high-demand restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe and The Fish Market.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $40,288
Experience the dynamic food culture of Denver. Notable employers include Denver Chophouse and The Kitchen. Enjoy working in a city with a growing restaurant industry.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $34,449
Chicago offers a rich culinary landscape. Work alongside skilled chefs in popular spots like Giordano’s and the original Portillo’s. The city’s diverse dining options provide ample opportunities for growth.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $33,731
Austin’s food scene is known for its innovation and creativity. Popular restaurants like P. Terry’s and Torchy’s Tacos offer exciting environments. The city’s vibrant lifestyle enhances the dining experience.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $31,717
Work in Kansas City’s celebrated BBQ culture. Companies like Q39 and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q are renowned. The city’s warm hospitality makes every dining experience unique.
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Waco, TX
Average Salary: $31,531
Enjoy a cozy yet bustling dining scene in Waco. Local favorites such as The Big Bad Breakfast and The Burger Joint provide a welcoming atmosphere. The community’s tight-knit nature adds to the charm.
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Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $31,000
Serve guests in Virginia Beach’s vibrant hospitality industry. Work at popular spots like The Neptune Restaurant and The Sand Bar. The coastal location adds a unique flavor to the dining experience.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $30,993
Experience the energy of Dallas’s dining world. Work in renowned restaurants such as The Grilled Cheeserie and Pecan Lodge. The city’s diverse dining scene offers endless opportunities.
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Columbia, MO
Average Salary: $29,806
Columbia’s friendly community provides a great environment for restaurant work. Notable employers include Husk and Blue Note. The city’s relaxed pace allows for a balanced work-life experience.
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Brownsville, TX
Average Salary: $29,635
Work in Brownsville’s diverse culinary landscape. Popular restaurants like The Boathouse and Taqueria Las Cazuelas offer a rich dining experience. The city’s cultural blend adds to the excitement.
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What are the best companies a Restaurant Crew can work for?

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The Pasta House Co.
Average Salary: $50,000
The Pasta House Co. is a popular Italian restaurant chain with locations across major cities. They offer a welcoming environment for crew members, with a focus on teamwork and hospitality. Positions available include servers, kitchen staff, and hosts. The company is known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious Italian cuisine.
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Vail Resorts
Average Salary: $39,174
Vail Resorts operates some of the most famous ski resorts in the country. They offer Restaurant Crew jobs that include waitstaff, kitchen staff, and baristas. Working here means you'll be in a vibrant resort environment, offering tips from the busy ski season. Locations include Vail, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge.
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Papa Murphy's
Average Salary: $33,196
Papa Murphy's is a pizza chain where crew members are involved in making pizzas and serving customers. Positions include pizza makers, servers, and hosts. The company emphasizes a fun and casual work environment. Papa Murphy's operates locations in suburban and urban areas across the United States.
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IHOP
Average Salary: $32,758
IHOP is a well-known American diner offering a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. Crew members can find positions as servers, cooks, and hosts. The company values a friendly and family-oriented work environment. IHOP has locations in nearly every state, making it a familiar name to many.
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Subway
Average Salary: $31,588
Subway offers a variety of sandwich positions for crew members. Roles include sandwich makers, cashiers, and cleaners. The company emphasizes fast service and customer satisfaction. Subway restaurants can be found in urban and suburban areas nationwide.
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MOD Pizza
Average Salary: $31,049
MOD Pizza focuses on fresh ingredients and customizable pizzas. Crew members work as pizza makers, servers, and hosts. The company is known for its modern kitchen design and a commitment to fast service. MOD Pizza operates in various cities, mostly in the western United States.
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7-Eleven
Average Salary: $30,971
7-Eleven provides opportunities for crew members in various roles, including cashiers, clerks, and convenience store associates. The company offers flexible hours and a fast-paced environment. 7-Eleven stores are located in neighborhoods across the country.
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Arby's
Average Salary: $30,000
Arby's offers positions for crew members in roles like sandwich makers, cashiers, and hosts. The company focuses on quick service and customer satisfaction. Arby's restaurants are found in a wide range of communities, from small towns to busy cities.
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Raising Cane's
Average Salary: $29,709
Raising Cane's is known for its chicken tenders and fast service. Crew positions include cashiers, chicken tenders, and hosts. The company emphasizes teamwork and customer service. Raising Cane's locations are spread across several states, mostly in the southern and midwestern U.S.
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MotoMart
Average Salary: $29,505
MotoMart provides crew positions in fast-paced environments, including cashiers, inventory clerks, and assistants. The company values hard work and customer focus. MotoMart stores are located in suburban areas across the country.
How to earn more as a Restaurant Crew?
Working in a restaurant can be a rewarding career. It offers many chances to grow and increase earnings. Increasing your salary as a restaurant crew member is possible with the right approach. Keep these factors in mind to boost your income potential in the industry.
First, always aim to exceed expectations. Strive for excellent service and go above and beyond in every task. When you do more than what is required, you catch the eye of management. They are more likely to reward hard work and dedication. Second, learning to multitask efficiently can lead to higher pay. Taking on additional responsibilities shows you are reliable and valuable to the team. Third, mastering new skills can open up more earning opportunities. Whether it’s learning to handle the register or mastering a new menu item, expanding your abilities makes you more versatile and valuable. Fourth, seeking feedback and working on areas for improvement shows your commitment to growth. Constructive criticism helps you perform better, which can lead to a raise. Lastly, networking with colleagues and supervisors can lead to opportunities for advancement. Building positive relationships within the restaurant can result in better shifts and higher pay.
Consider these strategies to increase your earnings as a restaurant crew member. They can help you advance in your career and improve your income.
- Exceed expectations in your duties.
- Learn to multitask effectively.
- Master new skills to take on more responsibilities.
- Seek feedback and work on areas for improvement.
- Network with colleagues and supervisors to create advancement opportunities.



