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Food Service · Tennessee

How to Become a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Tennessee

Food Servers, Nonrestaurants in Tennessee earn a median salary of $29,050/year, which is 16% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a food servers, nonrestaurant takes home approximately $703/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$29K
Median salary in Tennessee
-16%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
4,940
Employed in Tennessee

What a food servers, nonrestaurant can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$29,050
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,115/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home66.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$29,050/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$703/mo

Becoming a food servers, nonrestaurant in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 4,940 food servers, nonrestaurants. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Memphis.

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$31K$15.14/hr1,900
Memphis$29K$13.89/hr760
Jackson$29K$13.87/hr100
Knoxville$28K$13.68/hr610
Chattanooga$28K$13.57/hr360
Kingsport-Bristol$28K$13.44/hr150
Clarksville$24K$11.48/hr120
Johnson City$23K$11.03/hr130
Cleveland$22K$10.7/hr110

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$18K
25th percentile
$24K
Median (50th)
$29K
75th percentile
$34K
90th percentile (senior)
$38K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a food servers, nonrestaurant make in Tennessee?

The median food servers, nonrestaurant salary in Tennessee is $29,050 per year ($13.97/hr). This is 16% below the national median of $34,460. Salaries range from $17,500 to $37,930.

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

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

Can a food servers, nonrestaurant afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $29,050, a food servers, nonrestaurant in Tennessee would take home approximately $2,115/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 66.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for food servers, nonrestaurants in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($31,480), Memphis ($28,890), Jackson ($28,850). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for food servers, nonrestaurants?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means food servers, nonrestaurants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.