How much does a Server make?
A server plays a key role in the restaurant and hospitality industry. This role involves serving food and drinks to customers, taking orders, and ensuring customers have a pleasant dining experience. The salary for this job can vary based on many factors, like experience, location, and the type of restaurant.
According to recent data, the average yearly salary for a server is about $32,666. This is a good starting point for those looking into this career. However, salaries can range quite a bit. The lowest 10% earn about $10,700, while the top 10% earn around $62,400 or more. This wide range means there are many opportunities to grow and earn more as you gain experience and skills.
To get a higher salary, consider gaining more experience, improving customer service skills, and possibly working in a higher-end restaurant. With dedication and hard work, a career as a server can be both rewarding and lucrative.
What are the highest paying cities for a Server?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $44,954
In Seattle, restaurant servers work in a lively dining scene with many popular chains and local favorites. Servers often earn tips alongside their base pay. Companies like Amazon and Starbucks offer server positions for staff dining.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $44,176
Boston has a rich dining culture where servers can find work in a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. Servers often work alongside chefs who value fresh, local ingredients, providing a dynamic work environment.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $43,340
San Francisco offers a bustling job market for servers with its numerous restaurants and bars. Servers interact with a diverse clientele and often benefit from generous tips. Companies like Google and Salesforce provide server roles for their employees.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $42,474
San Jose's tech industry creates a demand for servers in corporate dining and cafes. Servers often work in a fast-paced environment and can earn good tips. Silicon Valley firms such as Apple and Cisco offer server positions.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $41,570
In Washington, DC, servers enjoy a vibrant dining scene with many restaurants catering to a diverse clientele. Servers often work in a professional environment and may earn tips alongside their salary. Government buildings and hotels offer many server positions.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $41,315
Charleston provides a charming setting for servers, with many restaurants offering Southern cuisine. Servers often enjoy a warm, community-oriented atmosphere. Popular companies like Colonial Lake and Hyatt have server roles available.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $40,760
Los Angeles offers a thriving job market for servers with its many restaurants and entertainment venues. Servers often work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Companies like Disney and Universal Studios offer server positions for their employees.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $40,184
Stamford has a growing number of restaurants and cafes looking for servers. Servers often work in a professional environment and can earn good tips. Companies such as Xerox and United Technologies offer server roles.
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Providence, RI
Average Salary: $39,738
Providence offers a mix of casual and fine dining options for servers. Servers often work in a close-knit community and can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere. Local companies like CVS Health and Hasbro provide server positions.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $39,735
Worcester has a diverse dining scene that provides many opportunities for servers. Servers often work in a friendly environment and can enjoy good tips. Local companies like UMass Memorial Health and Fidelity Investments offer server roles.
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What are the best companies a Server can work for?

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Qualcomm
Average Salary: $275,906
Qualcomm offers exciting opportunities for Server positions across the United States. At Qualcomm, servers manage high-tech environments and contribute to seamless operations. The company has multiple locations, including San Diego, California, and Austin, Texas.
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The Cake Bake Shop
Average Salary: $79,902
The Cake Bake Shop is a beloved bakery chain providing warm, community-focused work environments. Servers at The Cake Bake Shop are known for their friendly service and great pastry knowledge. Locations include New York, New York, and Los Angeles, California.
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Legal Sea Foods
Average Salary: $78,355
Legal Sea Foods offers a fantastic opportunity for servers to work in a dynamic and fast-paced restaurant setting. Servers here are appreciated for their attention to detail and customer service skills. Key locations include Boston, Massachusetts, and Portland, Maine.
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The Mark Hotel
Average Salary: $74,250
The Mark Hotel provides upscale dining experiences for servers. Working here means contributing to a prestigious hospitality environment. Servers are trained to deliver top-notch service. The hotel is located in New York, New York.
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Lettuce Entertain You
Average Salary: $71,001
Lettuce Entertain You operates a variety of restaurants that offer diverse culinary experiences. Servers here are part of a vibrant team that focuses on quality service. The company has locations in Chicago, Illinois, and San Francisco, California.
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The Park at 14th
Average Salary: $68,438
The Park at 14th offers a unique dining experience with servers who are part of an attentive and friendly staff. The company emphasizes teamwork and customer satisfaction. This restaurant is located in Washington, D.C.
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Pappas Restaurants
Average Salary: $67,631
Pappas Restaurants is known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Servers here support a high-energy environment with excellent service. The company operates in locations like Dallas, Texas, and Houston, Texas.
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Hillstone Restaurant Group
Average Salary: $66,769
Hillstone Restaurant Group offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from casual to upscale. Servers here are trained to deliver exceptional service in a welcoming setting. The company operates in cities such as St. Louis, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado.
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Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Average Salary: $65,261
Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar provides a lively and interactive dining experience for servers. The company focuses on providing fresh, delicious food and great customer service. Locations include Seattle, Washington, and San Jose, California.
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Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub
Average Salary: $65,000
Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub offers a casual dining experience with servers who are part of a fun and energetic team. The company emphasizes providing excellent service with a smile. Locations include Detroit, Michigan, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
How to earn more as a Server?
Being a server is more than just taking orders and serving food. It involves a lot of hard work and skill. Those who excel in this role often find ways to increase their earnings. Here are some strategies that can help a server earn more.
First, building a good rapport with customers is essential. Knowing regulars' preferences and being attentive to their needs can lead to bigger tips. Personalized service often results in repeat business, which can increase income. Second, mastering table management skills helps in seating guests efficiently, which keeps the restaurant running smoothly and allows for more seating turnover. Third, being knowledgeable about the menu and specials allows a server to make informed recommendations, which can lead to higher sales and tips. Fourth, taking on additional responsibilities like hosting or running the bar can provide extra income. Finally, staying positive and professional in all situations can lead to repeat customers and better tips.
Servers can use these factors to improve their performance and increase their earnings. By focusing on these areas, they can enhance their job satisfaction and financial rewards.
- Build rapport with customers
- Master table management skills
- Be knowledgeable about the menu and specials
- Take on additional responsibilities
- Stay positive and professional



