How Much Do Servers Make? A Complete Guide
Introduction
The hospitality industry is a vast and diverse one, with a wide range of job opportunities available. One of the most common jobs in the industry is that of a server, who is responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, and providing customer service. Servers can work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
How Much Do Servers Make?
The average server salary varies depending on a number of factors, including location, experience, and the type of establishment in which they work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for servers in the United States is $27,250. However, salaries can range from $22,000 to $35,000 per year.
Factors That Affect Server Salaries
Location
The location of a server's job can have a significant impact on their salary. Servers who work in large metropolitan areas, such as New York City or Los Angeles, tend to earn more than those who work in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the higher cost of living in large cities.
Experience
As servers gain experience, they typically earn more money. This is because experienced servers are more efficient and knowledgeable, and they are able to provide better customer service.
Type of Establishment
The type of establishment in which a server works can also affect their salary. Servers who work in fine dining restaurants tend to earn more than those who work in casual dining restaurants or fast food restaurants. This is because fine dining restaurants typically have higher prices and offer a more upscale dining experience.
Tips
In addition to their base salary, servers also earn tips from customers. The amount of tips that a server earns can vary depending on a number of factors, including the quality of service, the size of the party, and the type of establishment. Tips can make up a significant portion of a server's income, so it is important to provide excellent customer service in order to maximize tips.
Benefits
In addition to their salary and tips, servers may also receive a number of benefits from their employers. These benefits can include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits. The availability of benefits can vary depending on the size and type of establishment in which a server works.
Server Pay by State
The following table shows the average server salary in each state in the United States:
| State | Average Server Salary | |---|---|---| | Alabama | $23,000 | | Alaska | $32,000 | | Arizona | $26,000 | | Arkansas | $22,000 | | California | $35,000 | | Colorado | $29,000 | | Connecticut | $31,000 | | Delaware | $27,000 | | Florida | $25,000 | | Georgia | $24,000 | | Hawaii | $33,000 | | Idaho | $28,000 | | Illinois | $30,000 | | Indiana | $26,000 | | Iowa | $25,000 | | Kansas | $24,000 | | Kentucky | $23,000 | | Louisiana | $26,000 | | Maine | $29,000 | | Maryland | $31,000 | | Massachusetts | $32,000 | | Michigan | $28,000 | | Minnesota | $30,000 | | Mississippi | $22,000 | | Missouri | $27,000 | | Montana | $31,000 | | Nebraska | $26,000 | | Nevada | $34,000 | | New Hampshire | $30,000 | | New Jersey | $32,000 | | New Mexico | $25,000 | | New York | $36,000 | | North Carolina | $26,000 | | North Dakota | $27,000 | | Ohio | $29,000 | | Oklahoma | $24,000 | | Oregon | $32,000 | | Pennsylvania | $31,000 | | Rhode Island | $30,000 | | South Carolina | $25,000 | | South Dakota | $26,000 | | Tennessee | $24,000 | | Texas | $28,000 | | Utah | $29,000 | | Vermont | $31,000 | | Virginia | $30,000 | | Washington | $33,000 | | West Virginia | $23,000 | | Wisconsin | $29,000 | | Wyoming | $28,000 |
How to Increase Your Server Salary
There are a number of things that servers can do to increase their salary. These include:
- Provide excellent customer service. The best way to increase your tips is to provide excellent customer service. This means being friendly, attentive, and efficient.
- Work in a high-end restaurant. Servers who work in fine dining restaurants typically earn more than those who work in casual dining restaurants or fast food restaurants.
- Get experience. As you gain experience, you will become more efficient and knowledgeable, and you will be able to provide better customer service.
- Network with other servers. Networking with other servers can help you find out about job openings and learn about new techniques and strategies.
- Take advantage of training opportunities. Many restaurants offer training opportunities to servers. These opportunities can help you improve your skills and knowledge.
FAQs
- What is the average server salary in the United States?
The average server salary in the United States is $27,250 per year.
- What are the factors that affect server salaries?
The factors that affect server salaries include location, experience, and the type of establishment in which they work.
- What are the benefits of being a server?
The benefits of being a server include a flexible work schedule, the opportunity to earn tips, and the chance to meet new people.
- What are the challenges of being a server?
The challenges of being a server include working long hours, dealing with difficult customers, and the physical demands of the job.
- How can I increase my server salary?
You can increase your server salary by providing excellent customer service, working in a high-end restaurant, getting experience, networking with other servers, and taking advantage of training opportunities.
- What are some tips for being a successful server?
Some tips for being a successful server include being friendly, attentive, and efficient; knowing your menu well; and being able to handle difficult customers.
- What are the different types of serving jobs?
The different types of serving jobs include:
Bartender—A bartender mixes and serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to customers.
Server—A server takes orders, serves food and drinks, and provides customer service to customers.
Host/Hostess—A host/hostess greets customers, seats customers, and manages the waiting list.
Busser—A busser clears tables, fills water glasses, and helps servers with other tasks.
What is the difference between a server and a bartender?
Servers take orders, serve food and drinks, and provide customer service. Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to customers.
- What are the skills that servers need?
Servers need to have excellent customer service skills, be able to work well under pressure, and be able to multitask. They also need to have a good knowledge of the menu and be able to handle difficult customers.
- What are the advantages of working as a server?
The advantages of working as a server include a flexible work schedule, the opportunity to earn tips, and the chance to meet new people.
- What are the disadvantages of working as a server?
The disadvantages of working as a server include working long hours, dealing with difficult customers, and the physical demands of the job.
Conclusion
Working as a server can be a rewarding career for those who are looking for a flexible and social job. However, it is important to be aware of the
