Highest-Paying Server Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. Utilizing a combination of publicly available government data, company information, and insights from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has estimated average salaries for various server roles across the United States. This analysis identifies the highest-paid server positions based on their average annual compensation.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the top-paying server roles:
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The highest-paid server role is the Caterer/Server, with an average salary of $34,500 and an hourly wage of $16.60.
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The second highest position is the Bartender Server, earning an average salary of $33,200.
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The average salary for servers is currently $30,500 per year, translating to an hourly rate of $14.75.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while compensation is an important consideration, it should not be the only factor in your decision-making process. If you aspire to work as a server, understanding the highest-paying server roles can help guide your career trajectory.
Here’s a breakdown of the top salaries for various types of servers:
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Caterer/Server
Average Salary: $34,500
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Bartender Server
Average Salary: $33,200
Bartender servers work primarily in a restaurant bar setting, preparing and serving drinks while providing excellent customer service. They should be adept at mixing drinks and knowledgeable about cocktail recipes, with an ability to adapt should certain ingredients be unavailable. Flair bartending may also be a part of their role, adding an entertaining element for guests.
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Fine Dining Server
Average Salary: $32,700
Fine dining servers play a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience. They ensure orders are accurately communicated to the kitchen and are attentive to diners’ needs. Successful fine dining servers often possess extensive knowledge of wines and gourmet menu items, along with strong interpersonal skills.
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Assistant Manager/Server
Average Salary: $31,900
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Server/Barista
Average Salary: $31,000
A server/barista is responsible for preparing and serving various beverages and light foods, including coffee, tea, and pastries. They should be able to effectively communicate menu options to customers and maintain high standards of food and beverage quality. Essential skills include excellent communication and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Below is a comprehensive table of the average salaries for various server roles, highlighting the highest-paying positions, followed by details on our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Servers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterer/Server | |
| 2 | Bartender Server | |
| 3 | Fine Dining Server | |
| 4 | Assistant Manager/Server | |
| 5 | Server/Barista | |
| 6 | Cook/Server | |
| 7 | Dining Room Server | |
| 8 | Banquet Server | |
| 9 | Lead Server | |
| 10 | Line Server | |
| 11 | Server And Hostess | |
| 12 | Food And Beverage Server | |
| 13 | Room Service Server | |
| 14 | Hostess | |
| 15 | Cocktail Server | |
| 16 | Beverage Server | |
| 17 | Food Runner | |
| 18 | Food Server | |
| 19 | Waitress | |
| 20 | Restaurant Server |
Methodology
Zippia employs data from public government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate its salary estimates.
Our data science team also analyzes job postings and resources published by companies to provide the most current salary information for servers.
Once the data is compiled, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title being evaluated. For further insights into our salary estimation process, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Server Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid server job?
The highest-paid server job is a Caterer/Server. Caterers/Servers earn an average salary of $34,500, which is $16.60 per hour.
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What is a good salary for a server?
A good salary for a server is $30,500 or more. The average server salary is currently $30,500, meaning those earning at least this amount are above average.
However, keep in mind that server salaries can vary significantly based on location, as employers often adjust their pay to reflect the cost of living in that area. Research the average salary in your region for someone with your level of experience to better assess your pay.
If you are just starting your career as a server, entry-level salaries may be lower, so it’s essential not to base your expectations solely on the average salary.
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Do server jobs pay well?
Server jobs can vary in pay. While some positions offer higher compensation, the average server salary of $30,500 is below the national average salary of approximately $47,000 per year.
Many server roles have the potential for high earnings, particularly for those in lucrative markets or with substantial experience.
Remember that server salaries will fluctuate based on several factors, including experience, industry, and geographic location. Be sure to conduct research to understand the going rates for server positions in your area.
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Where do servers earn the most?
Servers tend to earn the most in metropolitan areas. For instance, in Arizona, servers receive an average annual salary of $31,200, with an hourly wage of $15.00.
Following Arizona, other states with high server salaries include New York, California, and Massachusetts, with average annual salaries of $36,800, $35,500, and $34,600 respectively.
The cities where servers earn the highest salaries include:
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Washington, DC – $42,000
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New York, NY – $37,500
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Boston, MA – $36,900
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
