Top 10 Entry-Level Server Jobs in New York City, NY
Explore high-paying, entry-level Server jobs in New York City — complete with salary info, benefits and more.
Best Entry-Level Server Jobs in New York City (Hiring Now!)
In New York City, the average base salary for restaurant Servers is $40,041 per year plus tips. This is 12.93% higher than the nationwide average of $35,457 per year plus tips.
Below is a map showing the average Server salaries across the United States.
[Calculated using Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com, Talent.com, Glassdoor and Zippia data]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
NYC offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to kickstart their career in the restaurant and hospitality industry as a Server. Here, job seekers with little or no experience can gain essential skills by immersing in various workplaces — from iconic fast-food chains to upscale restaurants and multi-faceted hospitality companies.
We’ve selected the 10 best entry-level Server jobs in NYC that you can apply for right now.
Compare the Average Wages Servers Make in Major US Cities
Servers are typically paid hourly wages rather than an annual salary. That said, the average hourly base wage for Servers in the U.S. is $17.05.
Additionally, Server wages differ across the four major U.S. cities. In NYC, they earn an average hourly base wage of $19.25.
Miami
Average hourly wage
$18.04 + tips
Average annual wage
$37,250 + tips
New York City
Average hourly wage
$19.25 + tips
Average annual wage
$40,041 + tips
Chicago
Average hourly wage
$19.41 + tips
Average annual wage
$40,380 + tips
Los Angeles
Average hourly wage
$20.49 + tips
Average annual wage
$42,625 + tips
[Calculated using Indeed, Talent.com and Glassdoor data]
For a comprehensive overview of Server salaries across the U.S. — including state-specific figures and key information on major cities — visit our Server Salary page.
Server’s Wage Compared to Other Front-of-House Roles in NYC
Servers often earn more than other restaurant positions that may also be considered entry-level.
In New York City, the average base wage for Servers is higher than that of a Barback, Busser, Barista and Host/Hostess.
[Calculated using BLS, Indeed, Talent.com, Salary.com, ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor data]
This bar graph is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the graph to see detailed data.
As key members of the front-of-house staff, Servers are the primary point of contact between an establishment and its customers. They are essential in ensuring quality service and a positive overall dining experience.
Check out our Server Career Overview page for more information on what restaurant serving entails.
Factors That Affect Earnings of Entry-Level Servers
Below are the most common factors that could influence the overall earnings of entry-level Servers in NYC.
- Local economic conditions: Cost of living and consumer spending can impact the average wages. Additionally, there is typically a higher demand for Servers in big cities with a bustling restaurant scene like NYC — which may lead to more competitive compensation for Servers.
- Job type: Entry-level Server jobs in NYC are either full-time, part-time, seasonal or temporary. Given that Servers are typically paid hourly wages, their job type directly affects how much they earn weekly, monthly and yearly. For instance, a full-time Server working 40 hours a week all year would likely earn more than a Server employed for only four months in a year (provided that they don’t have other jobs).
- Number of shifts: Servers can also increase their earnings by working more shifts. However, the number of shifts they can take in a week or month may depend on how many the establishment can or would provide them.
- Benefits and perks: Aside from hourly wages, other aspects of an entry-level Server’s compensation package — such as performance bonuses, healthcare insurance and commuter benefits — may help with their annual income.
- Tips: The ability to earn tips directly or through a tip-sharing arrangement can significantly boost a Server’s earnings. Although the amount is left to a customer’s discretion, most U.S. customers typically tip between 15% and 20% of their total bill.
- Hours of shifts: Servers whose shifts fall on peak, high-volume hours may receive more tips due to the influx of guests. Additionally, Servers who work during late nights, weekends or holidays may be entitled to extra compensation like shift pay differentials.
- Location of the establishment: Servers who work in NYC areas with higher foot traffic may receive tips more frequently due to more customers.
- Type of establishment: Although being a Server in upscale establishments does not necessarily mean higher wages, the clientele here usually have better spending power — which could translate to more generous tips.
Whether you’re already a Server in NYC or still looking for Server jobs nearby, our New York Paycheck Calculator is a useful tool you should bookmark.
Paycheck Calculator
Disclaimer: Please note that this paycheck calculator is designed to provide an estimate and should not be considered as professional tax advice. The actual withholding amounts and taxes owed may vary depending on individual circumstances and other factors. For accurate and personalized tax advice, we recommend consulting with a tax professional.
If your gross pay is $58,416.00 per year in the state of New York, your net pay (or take home pay) will be $45,648.87 after tax deductions of 21.86% (or $12,767.13). Deductions include a total of [1] 8.99% (or $5,250.42) for the federal income tax, [2] 5.22% (or $3,047.89) for the state income tax, [3] 6.20% (or $3,621.79) for the social security tax and [4] 1.45% (or $847.03) for Medicare.
The Federal Income Tax is collected by the government and is consistent across all U.S. regions. In contrast, the State Income Tax is levied by the state of residence and work, leading to substantial variations. The Social Security Tax is used to fund Social Security, which benefits retirees, persons with disabilities and survivors of deceased workers. Medicare involves a federal payroll tax designated for the Medicare insurance program. As of 2022, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not levy a state income tax.
The calculator above is designed to assist you in determining your earnings accurately.
Benefits of Starting Out as a Server
Considering applying for entry-level or no-experience Server jobs in NYC? Here are the top reasons why beginning your restaurant career in this position can be advantageous.
You can learn more about the restaurant industry as a whole by starting out as a Server.
This role equips you with insights and knowledge of restaurant operations — such as order-taking, menu knowledge and store maintenance. You could also gain valuable exposure to various cuisines, service styles and culinary trends since you’ll be coordinating with kitchen staff.
Serving requires directly interacting with customers, which could help with honing your communication and interpersonal skills. You’ll learn how to navigate different personalities and preferences.
Being a newcomer in the restaurant and hospitality industry may feel intimidating if you don’t have prior connections. However, serving allows you to build professional relationships with a wide range of people — from coworkers and restaurant management to customers.
These connections could support your career growth in the long term, as they may potentially open doors to further opportunities within the industry.
Given that a Server interacts directly with customers, you may be able to increase your income through tips — compared to other entry-level restaurant positions that involve less customer interaction (or none at all).
Frequently Asked Questions
The average annual base salary for Servers in NYC is $40,041 — which is 12.93% higher than the nationwide base average salary of $35,457.
However, the overall earnings of a Server working in NYC depends on factors such as:
- How much they earn from tips
- Their job type
- The amount and hours of their shifts
- The benefits their employer provides
Servers in most restaurants typically work between 20 and 40 hours per week, depending on whether they’re full-time or part-time employees.
However, there is no law specifying the number of working hours to differentiate full-time employees from part-time employees. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics defines part-time workers as those who “work less than 35 hours a week,” it is solely for statistical purposes and not a legal definition.
Moreover, Servers may be required to work extra hours to help the establishment accommodate more customers during high-volume hours or peak seasons.
