Server Salary in Austin, TX
Servers in Austin, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $18.88 per hour, which translates to about $755.20 per week, $3,272.53 per month, and $39,270.40 per year.
The demand for Servers in Austin is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities for employment in the hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Server Make in Austin, TX?
The salary of a Server in Austin varies depending on experience and the type of establishment, but here is an overview across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.29 | $451.60 | $1,955.47 | $23,467.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.88 | $755.20 | $3,272.53 | $39,270.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.58 | $1,263.20 | $5,448.80 | $65,626.40 |
Do Servers in Austin Earn Tips?
Servers typically earn significant tips in addition to their base salary. In Austin, a Server can earn approximately $10 per hour in tips, which can considerably increase their overall income.
Server Salary in Austin vs. National Average
Nationally, Servers earn an average of about $17.54 per hour, which equals roughly $36,483.20 per year.
Compared to the national average, Servers in Austin earn slightly more, with an average of $18.88 per hour and $39,270.40 annually, reflecting local demand and cost of living adjustments.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Austin for Servers
Within the Austin area, some neighborhoods offer higher pay rates for Servers:
- Downtown Austin: $20.50 per hour
- South Congress: $19.00 per hour
Servers working in Downtown Austin typically earn more due to the concentration of high-end restaurants and busy nightlife.
What Influences a Server’s Salary in Austin?
A Server’s salary in Austin can be influenced by several factors:
- Experience Level: More experienced Servers can command higher hourly rates and attract more lucrative tipping opportunities.
- Skills and Knowledge: Strong customer service skills and knowledge of menu items boost earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and busy bars often offer better base pay and tip earnings than casual or fast-food establishments.
- Shift Timing: Working evening or weekend shifts, which are busier, may result in more tips.
- Location: Servers working in prime areas like Downtown Austin earn higher wages due to greater demand and clientele.
How To Become a Server in Austin
Becoming a Server in Austin involves several important steps and qualifications:
- Gain Basic Culinary Knowledge: Consider programs like the Austin Community College Culinary Arts Program, which offers comprehensive training in food preparation and service techniques.
- Obtain Required Certifications: In Texas, servers must have a Texas Food Handler Certification for food safety and a TABC Certification for alcohol service.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for success and higher earnings as a Server.
- Start with Entry-Level Roles: Gaining experience as a host or Busser can help build foundations before becoming a full Server.
Top Employers Hiring Servers in Austin
Several prominent restaurants and hospitality businesses actively hire Servers in Austin:
- Truluck's
- Pappas Restaurants
- Ramen Tatsu-ya
Establishments That Servers in Austin Work At
Servers in Austin work across a variety of venues:
- Casual Dining: Typically offers moderate base pay and steady tips. Often a starting point for many Servers.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Usually pays lower base wages and tips but offers high customer turnover.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Servers here earn the highest wages and tips due to upscale clientele and premium pricing.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Can offer high tip income, especially during peak hours or events.
The type of establishment can significantly affect a Server’s total compensation and career development.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Austin for Servers
If you are interested in roles similar to Server, here are some related positions worth exploring:
These include Bartender, Cashier, and Waiter/Waitress positions, which share overlapping skills and working environments with Servers.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Servers in Austin
Servers in Austin should be knowledgeable about labor laws and tax obligations that affect their employment.
- Texas' labor laws and employment standards can be reviewed through the Texas Workforce Commission, the primary state agency overseeing these matters.
- For federal labor laws including wage standards and occupational safety, consult the U.S. Department of Labor.