Fine Dining Server Salary in Chico, CA
Fine Dining Servers in Chico, CA, in 2026, earn approximately $18.00 per hour, which translates to about $720.00 per week, $3,120.00 per month, and $37,440.00 per year.
The demand for Fine Dining Servers in Chico is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for job opportunities in this sector at high-end restaurants and hospitality venues.
How Much Does a Fine Dining Server Make in Chico, CA?
The salary of a Fine Dining Server in Chico varies depending on experience and the establishment. Here is an overview of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.70 | $428.00 | $1,851.33 | $22,256.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $11.30 | $452.00 | $1,953.33 | $23,504.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $15.30 | $612.00 | $2,638.00 | $31,824.00 |
Do Fine Dining Servers in Chico Earn Tips?
Fine Dining Servers typically earn a significant amount in tips, which can amount to an additional $10 to $20 per hour in tips depending on the restaurant and clientele. This can substantially supplement their base salary.
Fine Dining Server Salary in Chico vs. National Average
Nationally, Fine Dining Servers earn an average of around $18.00 per hour translating to about $37,440 per year.
Fine Dining Servers in Chico earn about the same hourly rate of $18.00 and yearly salary of roughly $37,440, indicating competitive pay in line with national figures.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Chico for Fine Dining Servers
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Fine Dining Servers:
- Downtown Chico: $19.00 per hour
- South Chico: $18.50 per hour
Fine Dining Servers in Downtown Chico typically enjoy the highest pay, reflecting premium dining venues clustered in this area.
What Influences a Fine Dining Server’s Salary in Chico?
Several factors contribute to the variation in salary for Fine Dining Servers in Chico:
- Experience: More experienced servers can command higher wages and better tips.
- Skills: Customer service excellence, wine knowledge, and upselling ability enhance earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants often pay more and provide better tipping opportunities.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may come with premium pay or higher gratuities.
- Local Demand: A growing tourism or dining scene can increase the need and compensation for skilled servers.
How To Become a Fine Dining Server in Chico
Starting a career as a Fine Dining Server can be boosted by specific education and certifications:
- Culinary and Hospitality Programs: Butte College’s Culinary Arts Program and Chico State University’s Hospitality Management Program offer foundational knowledge valuable in fine dining service.
- Food Safety Certification: Earning the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures compliance with food safety standards.
- Responsible Alcohol Service: The TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification trains servers on responsible alcohol serving, often required by employers.
- Hands-On Experience: Working in casual dining first can help develop customer service skills before moving to fine dining.
Top Employers Hiring Fine Dining Servers in Chico
Popular employers frequently hiring Fine Dining Servers in Chico include:
- Olive Garden
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
- Buffalo Wild Wings
Establishments That Fine Dining Servers in Chico Work At
Fine Dining Servers typically find employment in a range of food service establishments including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These premium venues offer the highest wages and tip potential.
- Casual Dining: Moderate salaries with less tipping compared to fine dining.
- Hotel Restaurants and Banquet Facilities: These often provide stable pay with occasional extra service charges or tips.
- Breweries and Upscale Bars: Can offer competitive hourly pay plus gratuities.
Each establishment’s clientele and service style greatly impact overall earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Chico for Fine Dining Servers
If you are interested in similar roles within hospitality, here are a few related careers to consider:
These roles include Banquet Server, Server, and Bartender, all of which share service skills and often similar tipping dynamics.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Fine Dining Servers in Chico
Fine Dining Servers should be familiar with labor regulations affecting wages, hours, and working conditions.
- Federal website for labor laws and regulations provides comprehensive information on employment standards nationwide.
- California state website for labor laws and regulations offers specifics on minimum wage, overtime, and other statewide rules applicable to servers.