A server's weekly earnings can vary significantly based on location, but in some of the highest-paying cities, servers can make between $912 and $914 per week.
Weekly Pay for Servers: Top-Paying Cities
Server income is heavily influenced by geographical location, with certain cities offering notably higher earning potential. The figures below illustrate weekly pay for waiters in some of the top-paying cities, reflecting the potential in strong markets.
| City | Weekly Pay |
|---|---|
| Santa Clara, CA | $914 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $914 |
| Livermore, CA | $913 |
| San Jose, CA | $912 |
As seen in these examples, weekly pay for servers in these high-wage areas consistently reaches over $900.
Understanding Server Earnings
While specific city data provides a clear benchmark, several other factors also influence how much a server can make in a week:
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants often yield higher tips than casual diners or fast-casual establishments.
- Customer Traffic: Busier restaurants typically mean more tables served and, consequently, more tips.
- Hours Worked: Full-time servers generally earn more per week than part-time servers, simply due to the volume of shifts.
- Experience and Skill: Experienced servers who provide excellent service can often earn higher tips due to customer satisfaction.
- Tips vs. Hourly Wage: A significant portion of a server's income comes from tips, which can fluctuate daily and weekly. Base hourly wages for servers are often lower than the standard minimum wage, with tips making up the difference and more.
Considering these variables, the potential to earn over $900 a week is achievable for servers in strong markets, particularly those working in busy, higher-end establishments.
