Server Salary in Cleveland, OH
Servers in Cleveland, OH, in 2025, earn approximately $17.61 per hour, which translates to about $704.40 per week, $3,052.40 per month, and $36,628.80 per year.
The demand for Servers in Cleveland is growing at a moderate rate of 5% per year, indicating an increasing need for skilled food service professionals in the city's restaurant and hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Server Make in Cleveland, OH?
The salary of a Server in Cleveland can vary based on experience, skills, and the establishment they work in. Below is a breakdown of earnings across different experience levels.
| 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 | $2,435.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Servers in Cleveland Earn Tips?
Yes, Servers typically earn tips in addition to their base pay. On average, a Server can make an extra $10 per hour in tips, which significantly boosts overall earnings. Tips can vary depending on the restaurant type, shift, and clientele.
Server Salary in Cleveland, OH vs. National Average
Nationally, Servers earn an average of about $17.61 per hour, with an annual income near $36,628.80.
Servers in Cleveland earn roughly in line with the national average, both hourly and yearly, indicating a competitive pay scale within the city’s hospitality industry.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Cleveland for Servers
Some of the higher-paying neighborhoods and districts for Servers near Cleveland include:
- Downtown Cleveland: $18.50 per hour
- University Circle: $17.80 per hour
These areas tend to have upscale establishments where Servers can command better wages and receive higher tips due to clientele and service expectations.
What Influences a Server’s Salary in Cleveland?
Several factors can influence how much a Server in Cleveland earns:
- Experience and Seniority: More experienced Servers usually earn higher base pay and attract better tips.
- Skills and Customer Service: Excellent communication and multitasking skills can increase earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, fine dining venues, and busy nightlife spots often pay more and offer higher tipping opportunities.
- Shift and Hours: Working peak hours, weekends, or holidays can lead to increased pay or tips.
- Certifications and Training: Completion of food safety and alcohol service programs can make a Server more valuable to employers.
How To Become a Server in Cleveland
Becoming a successful Server in Cleveland involves several steps:
- Obtain Necessary Certifications: Programs such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification teach proper food safety, while TIPS Certification ensures responsible alcohol service.
- Complete Hospitality Training: Enrolling in hospitality management programs such as at Cuyahoga Community College or Cleveland State University can provide foundational knowledge and enhance job prospects.
- Gain Experience: Start working in entry-level food service roles to build skills and understanding of the industry.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Polite and efficient service leads to better tips and job stability.
Top Employers Hiring Servers in Cleveland
Some well-known establishments currently hiring Servers in Cleveland include:
- Bar Symon
- Melting Pot Restaurant
- Harry Buffalo
- Driftwood Hospitality
- Wild Mango Restaurant
Establishments That Servers in Cleveland Work At
Servers typically find employment across a range of food service establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These provide a steady flow of customers and moderate pay.
- Fine Dining Venues: Often offer higher wages and greater tipping potential due to upscale clientele.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Usually offer hourly wages with limited tipping opportunities.
- Bars and Nightclubs: May provide opportunities for large tips but can have variable schedules.
The type of establishment can significantly impact salary and tip earnings, with more prestigious or busy venues usually offering higher overall compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Cleveland for Servers
If you are exploring careers similar to that of a Server, consider the following roles that share skills and responsibilities:
These include Fine Dining Server, Waiter/Waitress, and Backwaiter, which can have overlapping duties and similar work environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Servers in Cleveland
Servers should be familiar with the labor laws and tax regulations that affect their employment and earnings in Cleveland.
- For federal labor laws and workplace regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides state-specific resources on employment laws.
- Local regulations are available at the City of Cleveland official website, detailing city ordinances and labor standards.