How much does a Server make?
Servers work in various settings, from restaurants to data centers. Their job includes taking orders and ensuring customers have what they need. The average yearly salary for a server is around $32,366. This salary can vary based on experience and location.
The salary range for servers spans a wide spectrum. At the lower end, the first 10% of servers earn about $6,300 annually. Those in the middle range, the next 40%, earn between $21,627 and $36,955. The top 10% of earners make over $57,391 per year. Different areas and types of businesses can change these numbers. For instance, servers in metropolitan areas might earn more due to higher living costs.
What are the highest paying cities for a Server?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $45,573
Working as a server in Seattle offers great opportunities with many tech giants hosting restaurants. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft have cafeterias that need skilled servers. The city's food scene is vibrant, making it a dynamic place for anyone in the service industry.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $43,061
In San Francisco, serving guests means being part of a bustling culinary hub. With many Michelin-starred restaurants, servers find themselves in an environment that demands high standards. Companies with notable dining services, like Salesforce, offer exciting work experiences.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $42,403
San Jose presents a unique mix of tech and traditional dining. Servers find themselves working in varied settings, from casual cafes to upscale bistros. The city's growing tech industry means servers often cater to busy professionals.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $42,195
Charleston offers a charming atmosphere where servers thrive on hospitality. The city's rich history and culture provide a backdrop that enhances the dining experience. Local restaurants and hotels often seek servers with a warm, welcoming approach.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $41,284
In Boston, servers enjoy a historic and diverse food scene. From trendy Seaport restaurants to traditional Back Bay eateries, servers find plenty of opportunities. The city's vibrant atmosphere attracts many patrons, making it a lively place to work.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $41,143
Los Angeles offers a diverse culinary landscape for servers. The city’s entertainment industry means servers often serve high-profile guests. With a range of dining options from casual spots to celebrity favorites, it's a dynamic environment for anyone in the service industry.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $40,620
In Washington, DC, servers enjoy a cosmopolitan dining scene. The city’s political and international presence brings a variety of food lovers. Servers often find work in high-end restaurants and hotel dining areas, catering to a diverse clientele.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $40,283
New Haven provides a cozy and engaging environment for servers. The city’s university setting means a constant flow of students and faculty. Servers can enjoy working in a community-focused environment with plenty of local eateries.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $40,187
Boulder offers a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere for servers. The city’s focus on health and wellness influences its dining options. Servers often find work in eco-friendly restaurants and cafes, catering to an active, health-conscious crowd.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $40,034
In Worcester, servers enjoy a friendly and welcoming dining culture. The city's diverse community brings a variety of cuisines. Servers often work in family-owned restaurants and local eateries, creating a cozy and engaging work environment.
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What are the best companies a Server can work for?

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Qualcomm
Average Salary: $264,368
Qualcomm pays its servers highly competitive salaries. They offer excellent benefits and career development opportunities. Qualcomm operates globally, with significant locations in the US, Europe, and Asia.
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The Cake Bake Shop
Average Salary: $77,500
The Cake Bake Shop provides its servers with a decent salary along with a warm and friendly work environment. The company operates primarily in the Midwest, with locations in Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana.
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Lettuce Entertain You
Average Salary: $74,357
Lettuce Entertain You values its servers, offering a good salary and opportunities for growth. They have multiple locations in Chicago, providing diverse dining experiences to their customers.
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Legal Sea Foods
Average Salary: $72,828
Legal Sea Foods offers its servers a solid salary. They focus on providing fresh seafood and a great dining experience. The company has several locations on the East Coast, including Boston, Virginia Beach, and Miami.
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The Park at 14th
Average Salary: $68,958
The Park at 14th provides a welcoming environment for servers, paying a competitive salary. They are located in Washington, D.C., offering a vibrant dining experience to their guests.
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Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Average Salary: $66,915
Eddie V's Prime Seafood offers servers a fair salary. They provide a luxurious dining experience and have locations in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City.
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Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Average Salary: $66,234
Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar pays its servers a decent salary. They focus on providing fresh sushi and other Japanese dishes, with locations in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
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Patsy's American
Average Salary: $65,000
Patsy's American offers servers a good salary. They provide a relaxed atmosphere with delicious American cuisine. The company has several locations in New York City.
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Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub
Average Salary: $65,000
Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub offers servers a stable salary. They provide a casual dining experience with a variety of dishes. The company operates multiple locations in the Midwest.
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Demos' Restaurants
Average Salary: $65,000
Demos' Restaurants provides servers with a fair salary. They offer a family-friendly environment with delicious Greek cuisine. The company has several locations in the Midwest.
How to earn more as a Server?
Servers can find ways to earn more money beyond their base wage. These strategies involve enhancing skills and improving performance. Focusing on these areas can lead to tips, promotions, and even higher paying positions.
Consider these five factors to increase earnings. First, excellent customer service earns tips. Being friendly and attentive can leave a lasting impression on guests. Second, learning new skills, like bartending or event planning, can open up more opportunities. Third, a positive attitude helps create a welcoming atmosphere. Guests often reward cheerful and hardworking servers with larger tips. Fourth, efficient work habits allow for handling more tables and serving more guests. This can increase overall tips. Finally, networking with other servers and industry professionals can lead to better job opportunities and higher wages.
Using these strategies, servers can boost their income. Improving skills and performance not only benefits the server but also enhances the dining experience for guests.
Remember, dedication and effort lead to better earnings. With the right approach, servers can achieve their financial goals.
- Customer Service: Being friendly and attentive earns tips.
- Skill Development: Learning new skills can open up more opportunities.
- Positive Attitude: A cheerful demeanor often results in larger tips.
- Efficiency: Handling more tables increases overall tips.
- Networking: Building connections can lead to better job opportunities.



