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Food Server - Institution Salary in the United States

How much does a Food Server - Institution make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Server - Institution in the United States is $31,636 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.

However, a Food Server - Institution's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $35,927
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $29,064 to $33,882
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $26,722
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Food Server - Institution Salaries

A Food Server - Institution's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Food Server - Institution Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Food Server - Institution's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $31,444
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $31,703
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $32,206
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $32,306
  • Expert (over 8 years): $32,373
Levels Salary
Entry Level Food Server - Institution$31,444
Intermediate Level Food Server - Institution$31,703
Senior Level Food Server - Institution$32,206
Specialist Level Food Server - Institution$32,306
Expert Level Food Server - Institution$32,373
View as Graph

How Do Food Server - Institution Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Food Server - Institutions. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $35,027.
  • California: $34,895.
  • Massachusetts: $34,429.

Top Paying Cities for Food Server - Institutions

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $39,902
  • San Francisco: $39,466
  • Oakland: $38,634

What Skills Can Increase a Food Server - Institution's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 9.34% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Healthcare Services (Mentioned in 3.03% Job Postings): The improvement of health via the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, amelioration or cure of disease, illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments in people. Health care is delivered by health professionals and allied health fields.
  • POS System (Mentioned in 2.12% Job Postings): Point-of-sale system is the hardware and software that enable your business to make those sales.A point of sale, or point of purchase, is where you ring up customers.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 9.34%
Healthcare Services 3.03%
POS System 2.12%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Food Server - Institution's salary.

  • SOP: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Hard Working: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Organizing: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
SOP $37,014
17%
Hard Working $33,851
7%
Organizing $33,851
7%
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Food Server - Institution Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Food Server - Institution salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $35,355. While startup companies pay approximate $29,906.

Food Server - Institution Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $29,906
Growth Stage 51~500 $31,629
Established 501~5000 $34,139
Enterprise 5000+ $35,355

Food Server - Institution Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Food Server - Institution roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Food Server - Institution positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Server - Institution as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Food Server - Institution

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$39,545$19.025%
Energy & Utilities$37,963$18.020%
Software & Networking$37,963$18.020%
Healthcare$36,381$17.015%
Biotechnology$34,800$17.010%

How Education impacts a Food Server - Institution's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Food Server - Institution enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Food Server - Institution with a Bachelor's Degree is between $30,393 and $32,591.

Food Server - Institution Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Food Server - Institution
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.8%
High School 52.8%
Associates 13.0%
Bachelors 26.0%
Masters 2.1%
Doctorate 0.3%
View as Graph

Food Server - Institution Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Food Server - Institution's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$29,064
Average $31,636/year
$33,882
$2,422
Average $2,636/month
$2,824
$559
Average $608/week
$652
$14
Average $15/hour
$16
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $33,882 $2,824 $652 $16
Average $31,636 $2,636 $608 $15
25th Percentile $29,064 $2,422 $559 $14

Food Server - Institution Salary Growth & Career Path

Food Server - Institution

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Food Server - Institution, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Fast Food Shift Supervisor $33,546 6%
Fine Dining Restaurant Manager $59,460 88%
Food & Beverage Supervisor $38,502 22%
Food Services Team Lead $41,169 30%

Most common benefits for Food Server - Institution

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Food Server - Institution

Here are companies hiring for Food Server - Institution and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Food Server - Institution

1. Where can a Food Server - Institution earn the most?

A Food Server - Institution's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Food Server - Institution earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Food Server - Institution is $39,902.

2. What is the highest pay for Food Server - Institution?

The highest pay for Food Server - Institution is $35,927.

3. What is the lowest pay for Food Server - Institution?

The lowest pay for Food Server - Institution is $26,722.

4. What are the responsibilities of Food Server - Institution?

Responsible for taking and delivering food and beverage orders to diners in an institutional setting. Ensures correct and prompt delivery of food. May also be responsible for dish cleaning and sorting, garbage collecting as well as food preparation and light cooking. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Food Server - Institution?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Food Server - Institution roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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