Food Servers, Nonrestaurant: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 271,780 food servers, nonrestaurants, and they earn a median of $34,460/year. The range runs from $27K to $45K. New York pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level food servers, nonrestaurants start around $27K. The gap between that and the median ($34K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $45K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $38K | 14,690 |
| Washington | $38K | 7,300 |
| California | $38K | 29,570 |
| District of Columbia | $38K | 1,230 |
| Hawaii | $37K | 750 |
| Massachusetts | $37K | 6,120 |
| New Hampshire | $36K | 2,230 |
| Vermont | $36K | 710 |
| Oregon | $36K | 3,860 |
| Connecticut | $36K | 4,510 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food servers, nonrestaurant make?▼
The median food servers, nonrestaurant salary in the United States is $34,460 per year ($17/hour). Entry-level positions start around $26,590, while experienced professionals earn up to $44,770.
What education do you need to become a food servers, nonrestaurant?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for food servers, nonrestaurants?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for food servers, nonrestaurants.
What are the highest paying states for food servers, nonrestaurants?▼
The highest paying states for food servers, nonrestaurants are New York ($38,010), Washington ($37,770), California ($37,690), District of Columbia ($37,570), Hawaii ($37,470). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.