FAQs
The top 3 paying industries for a Restaurant Server in United States are Retail & Wholesale with a median total pay of $61,257, Hotels & Travel Accommodation with a median total pay of $53,014 and Restaurants & Food Service with a median total pay of $51,046.
Where can I make the most as a server? ›
Highest paying cities for Servers near United States
- Orlando, FL. $22.71 per hour. 125 salaries reported.
- Scottsdale, AZ. $21.23 per hour.
- Chicago, IL. $19.45 per hour.
- Atlanta, GA. $19.08 per hour.
- New York, NY. $18.32 per hour.
- Show more nearby cities.
Is server a difficult job? ›
Working as a server, you likely face challenges such as displeased customers or incorrect orders. Some situations may require a level of patience in order to properly handle them.
What do you say to get a job as a server? ›
Be truthful, but also focus on being positive. Example: “I enjoy getting to interact with customers. I have a lot of fun talking to them and finding out why they came to the restaurant. I love when they are celebrating a special occasion and I get to make sure they have an enjoyable experience.
Can servers make $100,000? ›
Some servers were reported to be making upwards of $100,000 a year (and working less than 30 hours a week!).
Do attractive servers make more money? ›
Attractive servers earn roughly $1261 more per year than unattractive servers. Beauty has a larger impact on female than male server earnings. Beauty matters more for female than male customers. Findings attributable to customer taste-based discrimination.
What kind of waiters make the most money? ›
High Paying Waiter Jobs
- Restaurant Attendant. ...
- Buffet Runner. ...
- Restaurant Server. ...
- Server Assistant. ...
- Cafeteria Helper. Salary range: $30,000-$31,500 per year. ...
- Bistro Attendant. Salary range: $25,000-$30,000 per year. ...
- Buffet Attendant. Salary range: $23,000-$30,000 per year. ...
- Fast Food Attendant. Salary range: $27,000-$30,000 per year.
Which server location is best? ›
Which server location should I choose? The general rule of thumb is that the server should be located as close to the target audience as possible. This simple decision ensures fast loading websites and great user experience.
How many tables is a lot for a server? ›
Most servers can manage about four tables at any given time during their shift. The number of customers may ebb and flow during the shift, but typically, each server should have about four tables when it's steady.
What are the cons of being a server? ›
However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges, including long hours, physical demands, difficult customers, low base pay, inconsistent income, and no benefits. Individuals can make informed decisions about their career paths by understanding the pros and cons of being a restaurant server.
Stress and burnout are common among hospitality workers, especially as they work with discerning customers. Working in the service industry, you will find yourself in difficult situations that will require more effort and adjustment. One such situation is dealing with difficult customers.
What is your weakness as a server? ›
Answer: My weakness is trying to do too much at once, because I want every customer to be happy and feel comfortable and taken care of. But I do need to learn to slow down and prioritize so I don't get overwhelmed.
Can you get hired as a server without experience? ›
The qualifications that you need to become a server with no experience include a high school diploma and customer service skills. Employers often prefer applicants who have a background in a related industry, such as hospitality or retail, but you can still find a serving job with absolutely no experience.
How many times should a server check on a table? ›
In every restaurant, servers are instructed to check back with their tables to gauge satisfaction. Many use the “two bites, two sips, or two minutes” rule.
How do I pass a server interview? ›
Interview tips
- Dress professionally. Professional dress is always encouraged, even if the food server position doesn't require formal attire from day today.
- Be outgoing. Food servers must display enthusiasm and extroversion during the course of their work. ...
- Bring your resume. ...
- Know your skills. ...
- Offer flexibility.
Which waiters make the most money? ›
High Paying Waiter Jobs
- Head Waiter. Salary range: $38,000-$85,000 per year. ...
- Fine Dining Server. Salary range: $24,000-$51,000 per year. ...
- Food Specialist. Salary range: $26,000-$43,000 per year. ...
- Buffet Steward. Salary range: $40,000-$42,000 per year. ...
- Cafe Server. ...
- Restaurant Worker. ...
- Cafeteria Assistant. ...
- Food Service Worker.
Which states pay servers the most? ›
The highest-paid state for servers is New York with an average salary of $36,333 per year. What city pays servers the most? Washington, DC pays servers the most with an average salary of $40,480 per year.
What is good pay for a server? ›
As of Sep 3, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Server in California is $13.68 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $30.37 and as low as $5.46, the majority of Server salaries currently range between $10.19 (25th percentile) to $17.07 (75th percentile) in California.
Can you make 6 figures as a server? ›
Many restaurants promote within and servers that make the 6 figure a year income seldom leave. My advice would be to start as a busser and work your way up.