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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food & Beverage Server in Iowa is $23,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $11.
However, a Food & Beverage Server's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Food & Beverage Server Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $25,356 | $2,113 | $488 | $12 |
| Average | $23,660 | $1,972 | $455 | $11 |
| 25th Percentile | $21,794 | $1,816 | $419 | $10 |
Elmcrest Country Club - Cedar Rapids, IA
Prairie Flower Casino - Carter Lake, IA
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City of West DES Moines - West Des Moines, IA
A Food & Beverage Server'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 & Beverage Server'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 |
|---|---|
| Food & Be... Level Food & Beverage Server | $23,535 |
| Assistant... Level Food & Beverage Server | $40,906 |
| Restauran... Level Food & Beverage Server | $55,209 |
| Regional ... Level Food & Beverage Server | $83,181 |
| Restauran... Level Food & Beverage Server | $115,845 |
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 & Beverage Servers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Food & Beverage Server roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Food & Beverage Server positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Food & Beverage Server as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $28,392 | $14.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Food & Beverage Server'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $25,356 | $2,113 | $488 | $12 |
| Average | $23,660 | $1,972 | $455 | $11 |
| 25th Percentile | $21,794 | $1,816 | $419 | $10 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food & Beverage Server job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Caesars Entertainment
Council Bluffs, IA
Caesars Entertainment | Council Bluffs, IA
How You Will Create the Extraordinary. Interacts with guests and co-workers in a helpful, positive, upbeat, and professional manner while taking food/bever... more
7 Days Ago
Whispering Creek Golf Club
Sioux City, IA
Whispering Creek Golf Club | Sioux City, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Landscapes Golf Management. and. Whispering Creek Golf Club. are seeking friendly and customer-oriented. Bar... more
6 Days Ago
Caesars Entertainment
Council Bluffs, IA
Caesars Entertainment | Council Bluffs, IA
Caesars Entertainment - - Responsibilities: Provides fast, friendly customer service at table/caysea bar. Operates cash register/POS and handles payments. ... more
4 Days Ago
Caesars Entertainment
Waterloo, IA
Caesars Entertainment | Waterloo, IA
Job Summary. The Server is responsible for serving guests in designated outlets according to the service specifications of that outlet to provide the guest... more
7 Days Ago
Hilton
Des Moines, IA
Hilton | Des Moines, IA
AM Server Position. Hilton Des Moines Downtown is looking for their next AM Server. Join our team at a hotel connected directly to the Des Moines Skywalk s... more
3 Days Ago
Hilton Hotels
Des Moines, IA
Hilton Hotels | Des Moines, IA
Hilton Hotels - - Responsibilities: Delight our guests: Bring an upbeat and friendly attitude to all guest interactions and proactively look for ways to ma... more
4 Days Ago
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