Server Salary in St-Petersburg, FL
Servers in St-Petersburg, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $21.88 per hour, which translates to about $875.20 per week, $3,792.53 per month, and $45,510.40 per year.
The job demand for Servers in St-Petersburg is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating expanding opportunities in the food service and hospitality industry within the city.
How Much Does a Server Make in St-Petersburg, FL?
The salary of a Server in St-Petersburg varies with experience, skill, and establishment type. Here is an overview of typical earnings across different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $21.88 | $875.20 | $3,792.53 | $45,510.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $34.55 | $1,382.00 | $5,970.67 | $71,784.00 |
Do Servers in St-Petersburg Earn Tips?
Yes, Servers in St-Petersburg typically earn tips in addition to their hourly wage. It is common for Servers to make an extra $10 or more per hour in tips, depending on the venue and shift. This can significantly increase total earnings and varies with customer volume and service quality.
Server Salary in St-Petersburg vs. National Average
Compared to the national average hourly wage for Servers, which is around $17.50 per hour and an annual income of $36,400, Servers in St-Petersburg earn notably more. Their average hourly rate of $21.88 and yearly salary of $45,510.40 reflects both the local cost of living and strong hospitality sector in the region.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St-Petersburg for Servers
If you are searching for the highest pay in nearby neighborhoods, consider these areas:
- Downtown: $25.00 per hour
- Historic Old Northeast: $23.00 per hour
Servers working in Downtown St-Petersburg tend to earn better wages, possibly due to the concentration of upscale dining and tourist traffic in that area.
What Influences a Server’s Salary in St-Petersburg?
Several factors can influence how much a Server earns in St-Petersburg:
- Experience and Skill Level: Experienced Servers with excellent customer service and communication skills can command higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and busy tourist areas often pay higher wages and offer more generous tipping opportunities than casual or fast-food establishments.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts typically allow Servers to earn more due to higher customer traffic and potential for greater tips.
- Training and Certifications: Having certifications such as ServSafe or TIPS can improve employability and salary prospects.
How To Become a Server in St-Petersburg
Starting a career as a Server in St-Petersburg involves several important steps:
- Complete Hospitality Training: Programs like the Hospitality Management Program at St. Petersburg College provide valuable knowledge about the industry and customer service skills.
- Get Culinary Basics: The Culinary Arts Program at Pinellas Technical College offers hands-on experience that can boost your food service skills.
- Obtain Required Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification and TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification are often required and show your commitment to safety and responsible service.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Apply for entry-level Server positions to develop experience and learn the ins and outs of the role.
Top Employers Hiring Servers in St-Petersburg
Some of the prominent employers seeking qualified Servers in St-Petersburg include:
- Bavaro's
- Red Robin
- Applebee's
Establishments That Servers in St-Petersburg Work At
Servers in St-Petersburg typically find employment in a variety of dining establishments:
- Casual Dining: Offers steady shifts and generally moderate pay with tipping opportunities.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Often faster-paced with less tipping, but good for entry-level positions.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Venues: Higher wages and better tip potential, requiring advanced customer service skills.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Can provide lucrative tips, especially during busy evenings and weekends.
The type of establishment directly impacts a Server’s earning potential, both in wages and tips.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St-Petersburg for Servers
If you're interested in similar roles within hospitality, consider opportunities in fields like:
These include Fine Dining Server, Waiter/Waitress, and Backwaiter roles, all of which share elements of customer interaction and food service and have different salary scales.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Servers in St-Petersburg
Servers need to be informed of both federal and state labor laws regarding wages, hours, and tax obligations.
- Federal employment regulations are available on the Department of Labor website.
- For Florida-specific labor laws and regulations, visit the official state website.