Server Salary in Lakeland, FL
Servers in Lakeland, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $19.37 per hour, which equates to about $774.80 per week, $3,357.47 per month, and $40,289.60 per year.
The job market for Servers in Lakeland is positive, with employment expected to grow at around 5% per year, reflecting a healthy demand for food service professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Server Make in Lakeland, FL?
The salary of a Server in Lakeland varies by experience level and the type of establishment. Below is an overview of earnings at various stages of a server's career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.00 | $400.00 | $1,733.33 | $20,800.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.41 | $536.40 | $2,318.40 | $27,892.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $27.79 | $1,111.60 | $4,797.07 | $57,739.20 |
Do Servers in Lakeland Earn Tips?
Yes, Servers in Lakeland typically earn tips in addition to their base salary. On average, they can make an extra $10 per hour in tips, significantly boosting their overall income.
Server Salary in Lakeland, FL vs. National Average
Nationally, Servers earn approximately $17.60 per hour, which totals around $36,608 per year.
Compared to this, Servers in Lakeland earn a slightly higher hourly wage of $19.37, and about $40,289.60 annually, indicating better earning potential in this location.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lakeland for Servers
Nearby areas offer varying pay rates for Servers, such as:
- Downtown Lakeland: $20.50 per hour
- Lakeland Highlands: $21.00 per hour
Servers working in these neighborhoods may earn more due to local demand and the types of establishments present.
What Influences a Server’s Salary in Lakeland?
Several key factors affect how much a Server can earn in Lakeland:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Servers typically receive higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants usually offer higher base pay and better tipping opportunities than casual or fast food restaurants.
- Location: Working in higher-end or busier areas increases earning potential.
- Certifications: Food handler and alcohol service certifications can enhance job prospects and salary.
How To Become a Server in Lakeland
Becoming a Server in Lakeland involves several useful steps to improve your chances and salary:
- Complete Hospitality and Tourism Programs: Polk State College offers a Hospitality and Tourism Management Program that provides valuable skills for food service roles.
- Enroll in Culinary Arts Programs: Traviss Technical College has a Culinary Arts program focusing on practical skills essential for Servers.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is widely recognized and often required by employers.
- Acquire Alcohol Service Training: The TIPS Certification helps Servers responsibly serve alcohol and comply with legal requirements.
Top Employers Hiring Servers in Lakeland
Some of the prominent employers looking for Servers in Lakeland include:
- Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille
- Keke's Breakfast Cafe
- Applebee's
- Texas Roadhouse
- Outback Steakhouse
Establishments That Servers in Lakeland Work At
Servers find opportunities across a variety of establishments:
- Casual Restaurants: Moderate pay with steady customer flow and tips.
- Fast Casual Dining: Generally offers hourly wages with some tipping opportunities.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Higher base pay and significant tipping potential.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Often provide more tips but may have variable base pay.
The type of establishment greatly impacts a Server's total income, with fine dining and bars often providing the best earning opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lakeland for Servers
Servers often have related career options in the hospitality industry that involve similar skills and work environments.
These include Bartender, Waiter/Waitress, and Backwaiter roles, all of which involve customer service and food/beverage delivery tasks.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Servers in Lakeland
Servers in Lakeland should be informed about important labor regulations and taxation in the area.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for federal labor law details.
- Review state-specific employment laws at Florida's official portal.
- Check Lakeland's local government site for city-specific rules and resources.