Fine Dining Server Salary in Athens, GA
Fine Dining Servers in Athens, GA, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Fine Dining Servers in Athens is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating an expanding market as the local dining scene evolves and more upscale establishments open.
How Much Does a Fine Dining Server Make in Athens, GA?
The salary of a Fine Dining Server in Athens varies based on experience, establishment, and other factors. Below is an overview of earnings at different career stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,430.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $32,560.00 |
Do Fine Dining Servers in Athens Earn Tips?
Absolutely, Fine Dining Servers typically earn tips that significantly augment their income. In Athens, a Fine Dining Server can expect to earn an extra $10 to $20 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment’s clientele and service quality.
Fine Dining Server Salary in Athens, GA vs. National Average
Nationally, Fine Dining Servers earn an average hourly wage of about $14.50, which is approximately $30,160 annually.
Compared to the national average, Fine Dining Servers in Athens earn slightly less per hour at $13.90 but maintain competitive yearly income evaluating local cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Athens for Fine Dining Servers
Exploring surrounding areas can provide insights into better earning potential:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Five Points: $17.60 per hour
These neighborhoods offer increased pay rates, often reflecting the presence of more upscale or busier establishments.
What Influences a Fine Dining Server’s Salary in Athens?
Several factors impact how much a Fine Dining Server can earn in Athens:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced servers with exceptional customer service skills tend to earn higher wages and bigger tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants often pay more and generate higher tips compared to casual dining spots.
- Hours and Shifts: Evening and weekend shifts may offer tips and wages differentials, increasing income.
- Knowledge and Certifications: Food safety certifications and knowledge of wine and fine dining etiquette can boost earning potential.
- Local Demand and Competition: Growing dining scenes can raise salaries as establishments compete for skilled servers.
How To Become a Fine Dining Server in Athens
Starting a career as a Fine Dining Server involves a combination of training, skills, and experience:
- Formal education programs: Consider programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Athens Technical College which offers practical training in fine dining service and related culinary skills.
- Hospitality knowledge: The Hospitality Management Program at the University of Georgia provides comprehensive study and hands-on experience in the hospitality industry, equipping servers for fine dining roles.
- Certifications: Obtaining the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of safe food handling, essential for server roles.
- Alcohol service training: The TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification prepares servers for responsible alcohol service in fine dining settings.
- Gain practical experience: Starting in casual restaurants or assisting experienced servers can build skills valuable in fine dining.
Top Employers Hiring Fine Dining Servers in Athens
Several established foodservice businesses in Athens actively hire Fine Dining Servers, including:
- Metro Diner
- Waffle House
- Texas Roadhouse
Establishments That Fine Dining Servers in Athens Work At
Fine Dining Servers typically find employment in a variety of establishments:
- Upscale Restaurants: These establishments offer the highest compensation including tips due to premium service expectations.
- Casual Dining: Wages and tips are moderate but can provide stable income.
- Hotel Restaurants and Resorts: These venues may offer benefits and opportunities for advancement alongside competitive pay.
- Specialty and Ethnic Restaurants: Often pay based on location and customer base which can vary considerably.
The type of establishment greatly influences overall earnings, with fine dining venues paying more than casual settings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Athens for Fine Dining Servers
For those interested or transitioning from a Fine Dining Server role, several related hospitality positions offer promising opportunities and skill overlaps.
These include Server, Banquet Server, and Maitre D positions—all emphasizing customer interaction and hospitality skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Fine Dining Servers in Athens
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is crucial for Fine Dining Servers to protect their rights and manage earnings properly.
- Access the Federal Department of Labor website for national employment laws and wage standards.
- For state-specific regulations, visit the Georgia Department of Labor website.
- Local employment details are available at the Athens-Clarke County government site.