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How much does a Server make?

The average salary for a Server is $32,732 per year in the US.

Servers play a key role in the hospitality industry. They work in restaurants, hotels, and other places where people eat. The average yearly salary for a server is around $32,732. This means that many servers earn a good living. The salary can vary based on experience and location. Some servers earn less, while others earn more.

The salary for servers can change based on several factors. Servers in busy cities often earn more than those in smaller towns. Experience also matters. New servers usually start at the lower end of the salary range. As they gain more experience, they can earn more. Tips can also add to a server's income. Many servers rely on tips to make their salary higher.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Server?

Job seekers looking for server positions can find some of the highest paying cities in Boston, MA, and Seattle, WA. Boston offers an average salary of $46,557, while Seattle provides $44,192. These cities offer competitive pay and a chance to work in thriving tech and business environments. Other top cities include San Francisco, CA, and San Jose, CA, with average salaries of $42,870 and $42,755, respectively. Washington, DC, and Charleston, SC, also provide attractive salaries for server jobs. These cities combine high demand with rewarding compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Server jobs, highlighting Boston, MA with the highest at $46,557 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $39,609.
  1. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $46,557
    In Boston, working as a server means being part of a vibrant dining scene. With many upscale restaurants and historic eateries, servers enjoy a dynamic work environment. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer excellent opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $44,192
    Seattle's servers thrive in a city known for its coffee culture and fresh seafood. Working in this city means serving diverse and discerning customers. Restaurants like Ivar's and The Pink Door provide unique dining experiences.
    Find Server jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $42,870
    San Francisco offers a diverse culinary landscape for servers. The city's tech boom brings a steady flow of customers. Servers at places like Boudin Bakery and Fisherman's Wharf enjoy a lively atmosphere.
    Find Server jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $42,755
    In San Jose, servers work in a bustling tech hub. The city's vibrant dining scene attracts a variety of patrons. Companies like The Tech Museum of Innovation and local restaurants offer great opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $41,796
    Washington, DC, provides servers with a unique blend of political and culinary experiences. The city's diverse population means a wide range of dining preferences. Servers at places like Old Ebbitt Grill and The Hamilton offer dynamic work environments.
    Find Server jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $41,309
    Charleston's servers enjoy a charming and historic setting. The city's rich culture and Southern hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere. Restaurants like Husk and The Ordinary offer excellent dining experiences.
    Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $41,010
    In Worcester, servers work in a community-focused environment. The city's diverse dining scene offers a variety of experiences. Local restaurants and cafes provide a welcoming atmosphere for servers.
    Find Server jobs in Worcester, MA


  8. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $40,885
    Stamford's servers benefit from a mix of corporate and local dining. The city's proximity to New York City brings a steady flow of customers. Companies like Panera Bread and local eateries provide diverse opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in Stamford, CT


  9. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $40,315
    Providence offers a vibrant and eclectic dining scene for servers. The city's rich history and diverse population create a unique atmosphere. Servers at places like Attleboro and local restaurants enjoy a dynamic work environment.
    Find Server jobs in Providence, RI


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $39,609
    Los Angeles provides servers with a fast-paced and diverse work environment. The city's entertainment industry brings a steady flow of customers. Servers at places like The Ivy and local hotspots enjoy a dynamic and exciting atmosphere.
    Find Server jobs in Los Angeles, CA

What are the best companies a Server can work for?

Qualcomm offers top-tier salaries for server jobs, making it a prime choice for job seekers. Legal Sea Foods and Pappas Restaurants also provide competitive pay, ensuring a rewarding experience. The Mark Hotel, Saints + Council, and The Cake Bake Shop follow closely with attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Server jobs, highlighting Qualcomm with the highest at $278,468 and Lettuce Entertain You with the lowest at $66,296.
  1. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $278,468
    Qualcomm offers competitive salaries for server jobs. They have locations in many cities across the United States. Servers work in a fast-paced environment, serving guests in a friendly and efficient manner.


  2. Legal Sea Foods
    Average Salary: $85,825
    Legal Sea Foods provides a good salary for server jobs. They operate in several locations along the East Coast. Servers here enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere and serve fresh seafood to guests.


  3. Pappas Restaurants
    Average Salary: $80,473
    Pappas Restaurants offers a solid salary for server jobs. They have locations in Texas and Louisiana. Servers here focus on providing excellent service and a warm dining experience.


  4. The Mark Hotel
    Average Salary: $78,000
    The Mark Hotel provides a competitive salary for server jobs. Located in New York City, servers here serve in a luxurious setting, focusing on high-quality service.


  5. Saints + Council
    Average Salary: $75,873
    Saints + Council offers a good salary for server jobs. They have locations in Chicago and New York. Servers here enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and serve a diverse menu to guests.


  6. The Cake Bake Shop
    Average Salary: $73,644
    The Cake Bake Shop offers a decent salary for server jobs. They have locations in California. Servers here serve in a cozy environment, focusing on customer satisfaction.


  7. Hillstone Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $71,658
    Hillstone Restaurant Group offers a fair salary for server jobs. They operate in multiple locations across the United States. Servers here focus on serving fresh, high-quality food to guests.


  8. Seoul Kitchen
    Average Salary: $71,596
    Seoul Kitchen provides a good salary for server jobs. They have locations in California and New York. Servers here serve Korean cuisine and focus on providing a unique dining experience.


  9. E3 Co. Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $68,833
    E3 Co. Restaurant Group offers a decent salary for server jobs. They have locations in California. Servers here serve in a variety of restaurants, focusing on excellent customer service.


  10. Lettuce Entertain You
    Average Salary: $66,296
    Lettuce Entertain You offers a fair salary for server jobs. They have locations in Chicago and New York. Servers here focus on providing a fun and enjoyable dining experience.

How to earn more as a Server?

Working as a server can be a rewarding job, especially when you know how to maximize your earnings. Servers often rely on tips, so understanding how to increase them can make a big difference. One way to earn more is by providing excellent customer service. This means being friendly, attentive, and efficient. Remember names, anticipate needs, and ensure that guests have everything they need. Another factor is mastering the art of upselling. Suggesting additional items like appetizers or drinks can boost your tips without extra effort.

Improving your knowledge of the menu can also help. Being able to recommend items and answer questions shows confidence and expertise. This can lead to better tips and a more positive experience for the guest. Additionally, working during peak hours and busy events can increase your earnings. These times often bring more customers and higher tips. Finally, maintaining a positive attitude and working well with your team can create a better environment for everyone, leading to more satisfied guests and higher tips for you.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Provide excellent customer service.
  • Master the art of upselling.
  • Improve your menu knowledge.
  • Work during peak hours and busy events.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and teamwork.

Currently 20,862 Server job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Server in the US?

Learn what a Server does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Server today.
Position
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Server
20,862 Job Openings