What Restaurants Do Servers Make the Most Money at in Aurora, CO?

Restaurants Where Servers Make the Most Money at in Aurora, CO: Key Takeaways

• The average base pay for Servers in Aurora, CO ranges from $13.64 to $22.04 per hour depending on the restaurant.
• Servers in Aurora typically earn an additional $5-$15 per hour from tips, though top busy locations can exceed this.
• Applebee's and Buffalo Wild Wings stand out as higher-paying restaurants for Servers in this city.

The role of a Server in Aurora, CO includes a base wage that varies by establishment. However, tips can significantly boost total hourly earnings, making this a lucrative position.

This article details which Aurora restaurants pay Servers best, including salary estimates and an overview of tipping potential.

For tips on building a strong resume and advancing your Server career, check out our essential server skills for a resume.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Servers in Aurora, CO

Aurora offers a range of dining establishments where Servers can earn competitive wages along with potential tips.

From casual dining to family-friendly chains, here are the top restaurants paying Servers well:

Applebee's

Applebee's is a popular casual dining restaurant known for its approachable American cuisine and friendly atmosphere.

Servers here earn an estimated base pay of $22.04 per hour, one of the highest in Aurora.

Employers looking to improve their team can consult our top tips for hiring servers to attract quality candidates.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is famous for its sports bar vibe and extensive wing menu.

Their Servers typically make about $20.08 per hour before tips, with busy game nights enhancing earning potential.

Chili's

Known for Tex-Mex inspired dishes, Chili's is a staple for casual dining with a relaxed setting.

Servers at Chili's earn approximately $13.69 per hour base pay in Aurora.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is a seafood-focused chain famous for its lobster and shrimp dishes.

Servers can expect about $15.63 hourly base pay complemented by motivated customer tipping.

IHOP

IHOP is known for breakfast and family dining with an extensive menu, attracting steady crowds.

Servers here earn near $13.64 per hour in base pay, with additional tips depending on shifts.

For servers seeking to develop their career further, the server career guide offers helpful advice on growth and salary expectations.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Server Earnings in Aurora, CO

The earnings of a Server can vary significantly depending on the type of restaurant and location within Aurora.

Upscale or specialty restaurants typically pay higher base wages or offer better tips compared to fast-casual or family dining.

Tip potential is influenced by:

• Restaurant Ambience: Fine dining establishments often have wealthier clientele yielding larger tips.
• Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts in busy venues can increase income.
• Certifications and Experience: Servers with fine dining experience or alcohol serving certifications may earn more.

Generally, Servers in casual and family restaurants in Aurora might earn $5-$10 per hour in tips, while those in busier or more upscale venues can make $10-$20 or more hourly in tips.

For restaurant owners aiming to reduce employee turnover and retain skilled servers, see our strategies to reduce employee turnover.

How To Find a High Paying Server Job in Aurora, CO

• Build a strong resume and cover letter: Highlight relevant experience and certifications such as alcohol service.
• Practice your interview skills: Prepare to demonstrate customer service expertise and teamwork ability.
• Network within the local hospitality industry: Attend job fairs and connect with current servers and managers.
• Target busy, popular restaurants and times: Peak hours and event-driven venues often pay better tips.

Servers preparing for interviews can benefit from our detailed server interview questions guide.

What’s the Outlook for Server Jobs in Aurora, CO in 2025 and Beyond?

The demand for Servers in Aurora is expected to remain stable or grow moderately through 2025.

As the local restaurant scene continues to expand with new venues, job opportunities for servers will increase, especially in casual and family dining sectors.

Growth in tourism and dining out post-pandemic supports positive job prospects for servers.

Is a Server’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Aurora, CO?

With base wages ranging from about $13.64 to $22.04 per hour plus tips, a full-time Server can earn between $29,000 and $50,000 annually.

Living costs in Aurora include:

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,200 - $1,500 per month
• Utilities and internet: $150 - $200 monthly
• Groceries: $300 - $400 monthly

While servers may need to budget carefully, particularly early in their careers, many find their income sufficient to cover living expenses in Aurora with planning.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Aurora, CO Server Jobs

We focus on restaurants that balance competitive base wages and strong tipping potential to highlight the best earnings prospects.

Selection also considers:

• Location and Accessibility: Convenient locations with steady customer flow.
• Reputation and Employee Satisfaction: Venues known for fair pay, positive work environments.
• Shift Flexibility and Benefits: Opportunities for more hours or benefits like health insurance.

These factors help servers find roles that offer both financial reward and fulfilling work conditions.