How much does a Restaurant Crew make?
Working as restaurant crew offers a variety of earning opportunities. People in this field can expect an average yearly salary of $33,561. Earnings range widely depending on experience and role. Here is a breakdown of the salary distribution for restaurant crew:
A majority of restaurant crew members fall into the $22,000 to $31,818 range. This covers about 55% of workers. Some employees in entry-level positions earn closer to $22,000, while more experienced staff may make up to $31,818 annually. The higher end of the range, from $34,273 to $49,000, accounts for the remaining 45%. Workers with more experience or those in management roles can reach these higher salaries. This spread shows that there are many paths for growth and increased earnings within the restaurant industry.
What are the highest paying cities for a Restaurant Crew?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $42,250
Working in San Diego's vibrant food scene offers many opportunities. Join top restaurants like The Fish Market or Urth Caffè. Enjoy the beautiful coastline and a lively atmosphere.
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Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $34,400
In Virginia Beach, restaurant staff get to be part of a bustling tourism hub. Places like Roy's and The Marlin Pub offer great experiences. The scenic location provides a relaxed but engaging work environment.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $34,350
Austin boasts a unique dining scene with popular spots like Franklin Barbecue and The Breakfast Club. Employees enjoy a lively culture and opportunities to work with top chefs.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $34,300
Chicago's rich culinary history offers exciting opportunities. Work at establishments like Girl & The Goat or Au Cheval. The city's diverse food scene provides endless learning chances.
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Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $32,629
Nashville is known for its country music and southern cuisine. Join popular places like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken or Acme Feed & Seed. Enjoy a friendly environment and vibrant music scene.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $31,505
Kansas City's food scene combines flavors and fun. Work at places like Q39 or Boulevard Grill. The city offers a supportive environment with a strong community feel.
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Columbia, MO
Average Salary: $30,833
Columbia offers a unique mix of college town charm and city amenities. Staff at establishments like The Counter or 91 Cafe enjoy a vibrant and youthful environment. The town's academic setting adds to the lively atmosphere.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $28,940
Houston's diverse food culture provides many opportunities. Work at well-known places like Pappadeaux or The Breakfast Klub. The city’s energetic vibe makes for an exciting work environment.
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Athens, GA
Average Salary: $28,000
Athens offers a mix of college town charm and a growing food scene. Work at places like Biscuit Love or Noble Pig. The town’s friendly environment and vibrant culture make it a great place to grow professionally.
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Durham, NC
Average Salary: $25,333
Durham has a thriving food scene with popular places like Bull City Burger and Boxcar Social. The town’s academic influence adds a unique twist to the dining experience. Staff enjoy a creative and supportive work environment.
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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. offers competitive pay for their Restaurant Crew members. They provide job opportunities in many of their locations across the country. Employees enjoy a positive work environment and the chance to learn new cooking skills.
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Vail Resorts
Average Salary: $39,365
Vail Resorts is known for offering a good salary for their Restaurant Crew positions. They have ski resorts in Colorado, Nevada, and California. Employees benefit from a supportive team and the beauty of working in a resort setting.
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7-Eleven
Average Salary: $34,098
7-Eleven provides a stable salary for their Restaurant Crew. They have stores nationwide, giving employees many opportunities to work. Crew members get to experience a fast-paced environment and learn valuable customer service skills.
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Papa Murphy's
Average Salary: $33,719
Papa Murphy's offers a solid salary for their Restaurant Crew. They have locations all over the United States. Employees enjoy making pizzas and working in a family-friendly environment.
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Subway
Average Salary: $32,800
Subway offers a good salary for their Restaurant Crew. They have thousands of locations around the world. Employees learn to make a variety of sandwiches and work in a fast-paced setting.
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Arby's
Average Salary: $30,000
Arby's provides a decent salary for their Restaurant Crew. They have locations in many cities across the United States. Employees get to make delicious sandwiches and work with a friendly team.
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Raising Cane's
Average Salary: $28,888
Raising Cane's offers a good salary for their Restaurant Crew. They have restaurants in many states. Employees get to make tasty chicken and work in a fun, fast-paced environment.
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Dunkin'
Average Salary: $28,471
Dunkin' provides a fair salary for their Restaurant Crew. They have thousands of stores nationwide. Employees enjoy making coffee and pastries while working with a welcoming team.
How to earn more as a Restaurant Crew?
Want to earn more as a restaurant crew member? It is possible by focusing on certain areas. Being proactive and taking initiative can lead to higher earnings in this field. An eager attitude will catch the attention of managers, leading to better shifts and potential raises. Take on extra tasks without being asked and always strive to go above and beyond in daily duties.
Gaining more experience and learning new skills can also lead to higher pay. Attend training sessions and take advantage of opportunities to learn about different areas of the restaurant. This makes it easier to cross-train in different positions and handle busy shifts. Speak with management about areas of interest and explore options for advancement within the company. Networking with coworkers and supervisors also builds relationships that can lead to higher earnings. Building strong, professional relationships makes it easier to communicate and collaborate. This can help in securing better shifts, promotions, and tips.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a restaurant crew member:
- Attitude and Initiative: Show eagerness and take on extra tasks to catch the attention of managers.
- Experience and Skills: Attend training sessions and learn new skills to increase value.
- Cross-Training: Be able to handle different positions to adapt to busy shifts.
- Networking: Build professional relationships with coworkers and supervisors.
- Communication: Speak openly with management about career goals and opportunities.



