Server Salary in Raleigh, NC
Servers in Raleigh, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $19.31 per hour, which translates to about $772.40 per week, $3,347.07 per month, and $40,164.80 per year.
The job market for Servers in Raleigh is looking positive with a growing demand of approximately 12.2% per year, signaling increasing opportunities in the food and beverage service industry.
How Much Does a Server Make in Raleigh, NC?
The salary of a Server in Raleigh varies depending on experience and workplace, but the following breakdown shows typical earnings:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.54 | $421.60 | $1,824.53 | $21,899.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,434.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Servers in Raleigh Earn Tips?
Yes, Servers typically earn significant tips in addition to their base salary. On average, they can make an extra $10 per hour in tips, substantially increasing their overall earnings and providing strong income potential based on service quality and establishment type.
Server Salary in Raleigh vs. National Average
Nationally, Servers earn an average of $17.55 per hour, which amounts to about $36,504 per year.
Compared to the national average, Servers in Raleigh make a slightly higher hourly wage of $19.31, reflecting Raleigh’s competitive hospitality sector and cost of living adjustments.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Raleigh for Servers
Nearby areas with the highest pay for Servers include:
- Downtown Raleigh: $20.50 per hour
- North Hills: $19.80 per hour
Servers working in Downtown Raleigh generally benefit from higher earnings due to the concentration of upscale restaurants and increased customer volume.
What Influences a Server’s Salary in Raleigh?
Several key factors influence a Server’s salary in Raleigh:
- Experience Level: Veterans with years of experience and proficiency in upselling often earn more.
- Skills and Certifications: Knowledge in wine, cocktails, and food pairing or holding relevant certificates can raise salary potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working in high-end restaurants, hotels, or exclusive clubs generally commands higher wages and tips than casual dining.
- Shift Timing: Serving during peak hours or late nights may come with shift differentials.
- Local Demand and Cost of Living: Raleigh’s hospitality growth and moderate living costs affect salary ranges.
How To Become a Server in Raleigh
Becoming a successful Server in Raleigh involves a combination of education, certification, and experience:
- Hospitality or Culinary Programs: Enroll in programs like the Wake Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program or Durham Technical Community College Hospitality Management Program to build foundational skills.
- Food Safety Certification: Obtain the ServSafe Food Handler Certification, widely recognized and often required for food service roles.
- Alcohol Service Permit: Servers handling alcohol need a North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission (ABC) Permit to comply with state laws.
- Gain Experience: Starting as a host, busser, or food runner in restaurants builds valuable customer service and operational knowledge.
Top Employers Hiring Servers in Raleigh
The following establishments are known for hiring skilled Servers in Raleigh:
- Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
- Brewery Bhavana
- Bida Manda
- The Raleigh Times Bar
Establishments That Servers in Raleigh Work At
Servers in Raleigh can find employment in a variety of establishments:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These establishments offer steady employment but may pay closer to minimum wage with tips being a significant income portion.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants: Servers here tend to earn higher wages plus more lucrative tips due to affluent clientele.
- Bars and Nightclubs: These venues can offer higher hourly rates and tip potential, especially during busy weekends and nights.
- Hotels and Event Venues: Positions often come with benefits and opportunities for advancement into supervisory roles.
The salary can vary greatly depending on the prestige and location of the establishment involved.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Raleigh for Servers
Servers interested in exploring related career paths in hospitality might consider roles such as:
These include Bartender, Backwaiter, and Waiter/Waitress positions, which share many day-to-day responsibilities and skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Servers in Raleigh
Servers should be aware of labor laws and tax regulations that impact their employment:
- For comprehensive information on federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- State-specific labor regulations for North Carolina can be found at the North Carolina Department of Labor website.
- Local resources and updates for Raleigh employees are available at the City of Raleigh official website.