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Food Service · New York

How to Become a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in New York

Food Servers, Nonrestaurants in New York earn a median salary of $38,010/year, which is 10% above the national average. New York has a state income tax of ~3.9%. After taxes and rent, a food servers, nonrestaurant takes home approximately $1,179/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$38K
Median salary in New York
+10%
vs. national average
3.9%
State income tax
14,690
Employed in New York

What a food servers, nonrestaurant can afford in New York

Gross annual salary$38,010
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.9% state tax)$2,591/mo
Median 2BR rent (New York)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home54.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$38,010/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,179/mo

Becoming a food servers, nonrestaurant in New York

1

Meet education requirements

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant positions in New York typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across New York. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many food servers, nonrestaurant positions in New York require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain New York licensure or certification

New York may require specific licensing or professional certification for food servers, nonrestaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the New York Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in New York

New York employs 14,690 food servers, nonrestaurants. The highest concentrations are in Ithaca and New York-Newark-Jersey City.

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary by metro area in New York

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Ithaca$40K$19.34/hr100
New York-Newark-Jersey City$38K$18.25/hr16,140
Watertown-Fort Drum$36K$17.33/hr60
Binghamton$36K$17.28/hr190
Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh$35K$17/hr520
Glens Falls$35K$16.89/hr120
Albany-Schenectady-Troy$35K$16.73/hr890
Rochester$34K$16.44/hr1,260
Syracuse$34K$16.24/hr430
Elmira$34K$16.23/hr60
Buffalo-Cheektowaga$33K$16.1/hr1,160
Kingston$33K$15.98/hr100
Utica-Rome$33K$15.7/hr400

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary range in New York

10th percentile (entry)
$31K
25th percentile
$34K
Median (50th)
$38K
75th percentile
$46K
90th percentile (senior)
$50K
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Full food servers, nonrestaurant salary breakdown in New York
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After federal + 3.9% state tax
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Food Servers, Nonrestaurant careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a food servers, nonrestaurant make in New York?

The median food servers, nonrestaurant salary in New York is $38,010 per year ($18.27/hr). This is 10% above the national median of $34,460. Salaries range from $31,360 to $50,270.

What are the requirements to become a food servers, nonrestaurant in New York?

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant positions in New York typically require No formal educational credential. New York may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the New York licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a food servers, nonrestaurant afford to live in New York?

At the median salary of $38,010, a food servers, nonrestaurant in New York would take home approximately $2,591/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 54.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for food servers, nonrestaurants in New York?

The highest paying metro areas for food servers, nonrestaurants in New York are Ithaca ($40,230), New York-Newark-Jersey City ($37,950), Watertown-Fort Drum ($36,050). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does New York have state income tax for food servers, nonrestaurants?

Yes, New York has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.9%. On a $38,010 salary, this means roughly $1,486/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.