As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Server - Institution in Montana is $29,867 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $14.
However, a Food Server - Institution's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Food Server - Institution | $29,685 |
| Intermediate Level Food Server - Institution | $29,930 |
| Senior Level Food Server - Institution | $30,405 |
| Specialist Level Food Server - Institution | $30,500 |
| Expert Level Food Server - Institution | $30,563 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
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 $33,406. While startup companies pay approximate $28,251.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $28,251 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $29,880 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $32,259 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $33,406 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $37,333 | $18.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $35,840 | $17.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $35,840 | $17.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $34,347 | $17.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $32,853 | $16.0 | 10% |
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 July 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $32,755 | 10% |
| Fine Dining Restaurant Manager | $56,128 | 88% |
| Food & Beverage Supervisor | $38,138 | 28% |
| Food Services Team Lead | $38,871 | 30% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food Server - Institution job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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