How Much Does a Server/Wait Staff make?

Server/Wait Staff made a median salary around $22,592 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $25,606 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $19,814. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Server/Wait Staff jobs in Gary, Indiana

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Best-Paying Cities for Server/Wait Staff

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Server/Wait Staff profession are Lowell , Hebron , East Chicago , Gary , Griffith .
Lowell, IN $22,653
Hebron, IN $22,617
East Chicago, IN $22,592
Gary, IN $22,592
Griffith, IN $22,592

Best-Paying States for Server/Wait Staff

The states and districts that pay Server/Wait Staff the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $25,152) , California (around $25,057) , Massachusetts (around $24,723) , Washington (around $24,632) , and New Jersey (around $24,623) .
District of Columbia $25,152
California $25,057
Massachusetts $24,723
Washington $24,632
New Jersey $24,623

What is the Career Path of Server/Wait Staff?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Server/Wait Staff, the first career path typically starts with a Fast Food Shift Supervisor position , and then progresses to Fast Food Assistant Manager.

The second career path typically starts with a Food Services Supervisor position , and then progresses to Food Services Manager.

Additionally, the third career path typically starts with an Assistant Restaurant Manager position , and then progresses to Restaurant Manager.

Besides, Server/Wait Staff can also turn to other related jobs, including Chief of Staff .

Frequently Asked Questions for Server/Wait Staff

Q: What is the salary range of Server/Wait Staff in Gary, IN?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Server/Wait Staff in Gary, IN earned an average annual salary of $19,814 , while the highest-paid made $25,606.
Q: What is the salary for a Server/Wait Staff in California?
A: Server/Wait Staff employed in California earned an average salary of $25,057 in 2025.

Average Server/Wait Staff Pay vs. Other Jobs

Server/Wait Staff earned an average salary of $22,592 in 2025. Other jobs related to Server/Wait Staff earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Chief of Staff made $218,270 .

Relevant Jobs of Server/Wait Staff

Chief of Staff - Average Salary $218,270
Plans and directs all administrative, financial, and operational activities for the organization's President, CEO, or other executive. Organizes and prioritizes critical issues and required information for the executive to facilitate efficient decision making. Acts as a point of contact or gatekeeper between top management and other stakeholders. Provides oversight and guidance to projects of high importance. May act as an advisor to the chief executive. May be responsible for the management of executive support staff. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Manages a business unit, division, or corporate function with major organizational impact. Establishes/implements overall direction and strategic initiatives for the given major function or line of business. Typically requires 10+ years of progressive leadership experience. Has extensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.