Many people wonder, how much does a server make and what factors affect their earnings.
In this article, we will explore the average server salary, key influences on pay, and insights to help those considering a career as a restaurant server.
Key Takeaways
Average Server Salary: Typically ranges between $21,943 and $52,000 per year, with top earners making up to $88,928.
Earnings Influencers: Experience, restaurant type, and location are key factors that can lead to a higher salary.
Customer Service Skills: Developing strong customer service skills and working peak hours can significantly increase earning potential and result in a higher salary.
Critical Skills: Effective communication and salesmanship can boost tips and contribute to a higher salary overall.
Benefits Package: Servers often receive compensation perks like meal discounts and flexible schedules as part of their overall compensation.
How Much Do Servers Make?
The median salary for a server generally falls between $21,943 and $52,000 per year, with the highest salary extending up to $88,928, depending on factors like experience, location, customer service skills, and type of establishment.
How do we come to this conclusion? Salary.com reports that the average server salary in the United States is $21,943 as of August 2024, with a typical range between $19,249 and $25,053.
According to Indeed, the national average salary for servers is $48,839 per year, with salaries ranging from $26,822 to $88,928. This suggests that servers with strong customer service skills, working in more competitive regions or high-end establishments, can earn well above the US national average.
Glassdoor further supports this with estimates that place server salaries between $52,000 and $83,000 per year, highlighting the earning potential for more experienced servers or those working in high-demand areas.
Factors that Influence Restaurant Server Salaries
- Location: The geographical location of the restaurant can significantly impact the salary due to varying costs of living and tipping cultures.
- Restaurant Type: Upscale restaurants typically offer higher earnings potential due to higher bill totals leading to higher tips. (Learn more about types of restaurants.)
- Experience: More experienced servers often have better customer service skills, leading to higher tips.
- Shift Times: Evening and weekend shifts often have higher customer traffic, leading to increased earning potential.
- Customer Traffic: Restaurants with higher restaurant foot traffic offer more opportunities to earn tips.
- Service Quality: Exceptional restaurant customer service quality can lead to higher customer satisfaction and, consequently, higher tips.
Tips for Negotiating Higher Restaurant Server Salary
Let’s see how to increase earnings and advance your career as a restaurant server.
- Enhance Customer Service Skills: Providing exceptional service can lead to higher tips and show management that you’re a valuable asset to the team.
- Work Peak Hours: Opting to work during peak hours can increase earning potential due to higher customer traffic.
- Upsell Menu Items: Successfully upselling more expensive menu items can lead to higher bill totals and subsequently higher tips. Track these sales and use them in negotiations with management.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: A friendly and positive demeanor can enhance the dining experience, leading to higher tips and a strong rapport with management, which can help during salary discussions.
- Be Knowledgeable: Being well-informed about the menu and able to make recommendations can impress customers and influence tips.
- Promote Manager-Requested Items: If the chef or manager wants to promote specific items or beverages, make sure to do so. This shows that you are aligned with restaurant goals, which can strengthen your case for a higher salary.
By adopting these strategies, you can significantly enhance your earning potential and increase your chances of getting promoted from restaurant server to lead server.
Critical Restaurant Server Skills and Qualifications that Pay Well
Having a set of refined skills can significantly impact a restaurant server’s tips and overall earnings.
- Customer Service: Exceptional customer service skills are crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and receiving higher tips.
- Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential for understanding customer needs and addressing any issues.
- Salesmanship: The ability to upsell menu items can lead to higher bill totals and increased tips.
- Time Management: Efficiently managing time and tasks is crucial in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Attention to Detail: Paying attention to the specific needs and preferences of customers can enhance the dining experience.
- Handling Restaurant Complaints: The ability to manage stress and remain calm during busy hours is crucial, especially when addressing restaurant complaints and ensuring a positive dining experience for guests.
- Multitasking: Juggling multiple tasks simultaneously is a common requirement in serving.
- Physical Stamina: The role often requires long hours of standing and moving around.
- Knowledge of Menu: A thorough understanding of the menu allows for better communication with the customers.
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with kitchen staff and other servers is crucial for smooth restaurant operations.
Possessing these skills can lead to better job performance and higher earnings in the serving field.
The Most Common Benefits for Restaurant Server
While benefits can vary, some common benefits for restaurant servers include:
- Meal Discounts: Many restaurants offer discounted meals to their servers.
- Flexible Schedule: The role often allows for flexibility in shift scheduling.
- Tips: Tips are a significant part of a server’s earnings and can substantially increase the overall income.
- Health Insurance: Some establishments offer health insurance benefits to their serving staff.
- Paid Time Off: Some restaurants offer paid vacation or sick leave.
- Training: Ongoing restaurant training and development opportunities may be provided.
- Retirement Plans: Some employers offer retirement benefits like 401(k) plans.
- Social Security: Both servers and their employers contribute to Social Security through payroll taxes, which ensures long-term financial benefits, such as retirement income and disability protection.
- Performance Bonuses: Some restaurants offer bonuses based on performance or sales targets.
- Career Advancement: Opportunities for career growth and advancement may be available.
- Uniform Allowance: Some establishments provide an allowance for uniforms or offer uniforms at no cost.
These benefits contribute to the overall compensation and job satisfaction of restaurant servers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are servers paid 2.13 an hour?
According to Bennett Law and Mediation Services, employers are only required to pay tipped employees $2.13 per hour in direct wages if the employee’s tips, when combined with that wage, meet or exceed the federal minimum wage.
If total earnings (wages + tips) fall below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, the employer is required to make up the difference. This is referred to as the “Minimum Wage Differential.”
In short, employers must ensure that servers earn at least the federal minimum wage, regardless of their tip income.
