Top 10 Part-Time Server Jobs in New York City, NY – October 2024 Salaries
We curated some of the best part-time Server jobs in New York City (NYC) — complete with job benefits, salary ranges and requirements. Applying for part-time positions is a good idea for those looking to save some extra cash without committing to full-time work. However, keep in mind that rates may differ depending on whether you’re a full-time or part-time employee.
For example, the chart below shows the different wages between entry-level Fast-Food Workers, including fast-food Servers, versus experienced ones — for full-time and part-time positions.
[Source: BLS]
Best Part-Time Server Jobs in NYC (Hiring Now!)
Check out the list below for some of the best-paying part-time Server jobs available in NYC.
Tipping Trends for Part-Time Servers in NYC
The Server position is considered “front of house” and requires one to interact directly with customers. This also means that Servers are more likely to receive tips than back-of-house staff.
Under current NYC law, the minimum wage for food service employees should be $16 per hour, with a base wage of $10.65 per hour combined with tips amounting to $5.35 or higher.
If tips don’t equal or exceed $16 per hour, employers are required to pay the difference.
| Type of Employee | New York City | Long Island and Westchester County | Remainder of New York State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Employees | $13.35 Cash Wage $2.65 Tip Credit | $13.35 Cash Wage $2.65 Tip Credit | $12.50 Cash Wage $2.50 Tip Credit |
| Food Service Workers | $10.65 Cash Wage $5.35 Tip Credit | $10.65 Cash Wage $5.35 Tip Credit | $10 Cash Wage $5 Tip Credit |
[Source: New York Department of Labor]
Servers in NYC can make far more, however, with some making between $20 and $40 per hour with tips.
[Source: ABC7 New York]
For more wage laws in NYC, check out our New York Labor Law Guide. You can also check out our other employment law guides for other states.
Server Salary Trends in NYC
Servers in NYC earn a base wage of $40,041 plus tips per year, $3,366.75 per month or $19.25 per hour.
This is almost 13% higher than the nationwide average annual base wage for Servers at $35,457 plus tips per year.
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 Glassdoor, Indeed and Talent.com data]
Servers in the Big Apple earn around the same as other major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles while earning much higher compared to Miami.
Server’s Salary Compared To Similar Positions in NYC
Servers in NYC tend to earn more than Baristas, Hosts/Hostesses and general Fast-Food Workers, but less than Waiters/Waitresses in the city.
| Job Title | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| Barista | $36,735 |
| Host/Hostess | $39,120 |
| Fast-Food Worker | $35,050 |
| Waiter/Waitress | $50,860 |
Factors That Affect Server Earnings in NYC
Although being in NYC can mean higher wages for Servers, other factors can impact their take-home pay.
Quality of Service
Exceptional service often leads to happier customers — which can then lead to bigger tips. A survey by Forbes found that 72% of consumers tip depending on the quality of service provided to them.
Servers can improve their quality of service by being attentive and keeping a warm, friendly demeanor when interacting with customers.
Restaurant Location
The location of the establishment a Server works at can affect the possible tip amounts they can earn per day, given the foot traffic, neighborhood competition and customers’ budgets.
Restaurants in NYC neighborhoods like SoHo and Williamsburg, for example, may attract more affluent customers and may lead to bigger tips for Servers.
Type of Restaurant
The type of restaurant where a Server works determines the tipping culture and service expectations.
Buffet and family-style restaurants typically pay less, as tipping is less expected given the self-service nature of the dining experience.
On the other hand, fine dining and casual restaurants can offer higher wages given the more affluent clientele and the full-service nature they provide.
For example, Fine Dining Servers in NYC earn an average base wage of $62,882 per year, which is 57% higher than the city’s average wage for Servers.
Holidays, Special Events, Season
In peak times like New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day, Servers may earn more tips given the increased number of customers and the joyous occasion being celebrated.
There tend to be higher volumes of customers during spring and summer when outdoor dining becomes more popular.
Tipping Pool
Some restaurants may have tipping pool systems where tips are collected and then distributed among staff.
Unlike other restaurants where Servers can directly keep the tips given by customers, the pool’s distribution is usually based on criteria such as hours worked or job title.
In some cases, tip pools can also be distributed among back-of-house or kitchen staff, such as Dishwashers and Prep Cooks.
To easily calculate your take-home pay, minus taxes and other deductions, check out our New York Paycheck Calculator.
Quiz: Is Server the Right Role for You?
Before applying as a Server, try taking our quiz to know your potential for the role!
Results
#1. How would you describe your familiarity with various serving techniques, such as tray carrying and tableside presentation?
#2. Do you have experience with table setup or garnishing dishes?
#3. What serving equipment and tools are you proficient in using, such as trays, corkscrews and specialized serving utensils?
#4. How many years of experience do you have with customer service in a restaurant setting?
#5. Are you dedicated to maintaining the same quality standards, even during busy or challenging times?
#6. Do you actively seek to expand your knowledge about various serving techniques, etiquette and customer preferences?
#7. How do you feel about early morning hours and long shifts in a restaurant?
#8. Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced and sometimes high-stress environment?
#9. How do you handle criticism and feedback about your service?
#10. Have you developed your serving style, and can you adapt to meet the needs of different customers or situations?
Legal Requirements for Server Jobs in NYC
Servers are part of the food service industry and are, therefore, required to have a Food Handler’s License.
All food service employees, including Servers, must have this license within 30 days of employment.
To get this license, you must attend a course or training program — either online or in person.
Keep in mind that as you move up the ladder in this industry, you may be required to take more certification courses as per the state’s Health Code. For example, hospitality managers can take this Food Protection Certification course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Servers in NYC earn an average base wage of $40,041 per year or $19.25 per hour – 13% higher than the country’s average.
Keep in mind that this amount does not include tips, which means Servers are likely to earn between $20 and $40 per hour with tips.
Employees working between 35 and 40 hours during one workweek are typically considered full-time employees in New York, while those working fewer hours are part-time.
However, keep in mind that some laws may have different definitions of the terms. For example, the Affordable Care Act defines “full-time” as up to or more than 30 hours a week.
No, tipping is not required in NYC, but it is customary. In most cases, tips are expected, and not tipping can be perceived as rude.
