Which city pays Servers the most?

Las Vegas, NV pays Servers the most at $12-$20/hr, reaching up to $55/hr with tips. Keep in mind that a higher rate doesn't always go further: Las Vegas, NV leads on purchasing power with a score of 116/100, so your paycheck may stretch further there.

How does cost of living affect Server pay?

A higher salary doesn't always mean more spending power. For example, a Server earning $14/hr in Las Vegas (COL index: 98) keeps more of their paycheck than someone earning more in a high-cost city. We use a purchasing power score (100 = national average) to help you compare real take-home value across cities.

How much can a Server earn with experience?

Entry-level Servers typically start around $12/hr nationally. With 2-3 years of experience, pay rises toward the median of $14/hr. With tips, experienced Servers in top-paying cities like Las Vegas can earn $55/hr or more. Annual equivalent at the top range is approximately $50K based on 40 hours per week.

What is the national average Server salary?

The national average Server salary is $12-$20/hr (median $14/hr), which works out to roughly $25K-$50K per year at 40 hours per week. Tips can add an average of $12/hr on top of base pay.

Download app

For general information only - not professional advice

Figures shown on this page are AI-assisted estimates compiled from public sources and may be out of date. They are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional career, legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify pay figures with your employer or the original source before relying on them.

Server Salary by City

Compare Server pay across major US cities. See how location affects your earning potential.

National Average

Hourly Rate

$12-$20/hr

Median: $14/hr

With Tips

$24-$32/hr

Avg tips: $12/hr

Annual Equivalent

$25K-$50K

Based on 40hr/week

Salary Comparison by City

City	Hourly Pay	With Tips	COL Index	Purchasing Power	Demand	Jobs
Las Vegas, NV	$12-$20/hr Med: $14	$28-$55/hr Med: $38	98 (Nat: 100)	116/100 ++16% vs avg	Very High	Many Jobs
Chicago, IL	$12-$20/hr Med: $14

Best Value Cities

Las Vegas, NV

Hourly Pay$12-$20/hr

With Tips$28-$55/hr

Purchasing Power

116/100

Casino restaurants and high-end dining offer exceptional tips

View Las Vegas Jobs

Chicago, IL

Hourly Pay$12-$20/hr

With Tips$25-$50/hr

Purchasing Power

98/100

Fine dining and tourist areas pay well despite higher taxes

View Chicago Jobs

Explore More About Server

Full Role Guide Is It a Good Job?How to Become Interview Questions

Indeed Flex Career Content Team

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Reviewed by Indeed Flex Editorial Board

Frequently Asked Questions About Server Salaries

Ready to Find Your Next Shift?

Download the Indeed Flex app and start earning today. Flexible work, on your schedule.

Get the App Explore Career Hub

Data Sources & Methodology

The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:

[1]
BLS OEWS — Official federal statistics on employment and wages by occupation and geographic area.Visit
[2]
BLS CES — Monthly survey of ~670,000 worksites providing industry-level employment and earnings data.Visit
[3]
BLS OOH — Career information including job outlook, education requirements, and median pay.Visit
[4]
Indeed Hiring Lab — Monthly posted-wage data by job title from Indeed job listings.Visit
[5]
Toast 2025 Report — Annual industry report on restaurant wages, tips, and employment trends.Visit

Data Freshness

CategoryWage Data

Last Updated2026-01-20

Next Update2026-04-20

We strive to keep all data accurate and up-to-date. Pay rates may vary based on location, experience, and employer.

About this data

Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may be out of date. They are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional career, legal, tax, or financial advice. For the most current pay rates, verify with the original source, a qualified professional, or check the Indeed Flex app directly for real-time shift availability and compensation.