What Restaurants Do Servers Make the Most Money at in Burbank, CA?

Restaurants Where Servers Make the Most Money at in Burbank, CA: Key Takeaways

• The average hourly base pay for Servers in Burbank, CA is around $16 per hour.
• Servers working at upscale restaurants like Castaway and Outback Steakhouse earn the highest base pay, about $16.50 per hour.
• Tips significantly boost earnings, often adding $10 to $30 per hour, depending on the establishment and location.

Servers in Burbank, CA can earn a solid base wage plus generous tips, making the role financially rewarding.

This article details which restaurants in Burbank pay the most for Servers and dives into salary and tips breakdown.

For those interested in understanding more about server earnings and workplace dynamics, see our detailed servers make the most money at Atlanta restaurants spotlight.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Servers in Burbank, CA

1. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ's is known for its diverse menu and handcrafted brews, offering servers a lively environment with steady customer flow, helping to boost tips.

2. Olive Garden

Olive Garden is a well-known Italian chain famous for its family-friendly dining and all-you-can-eat salad and breadsticks, providing consistent service opportunities.

Employers seeking to expand their teams may benefit from our spotlight on how to hire server or waiter tips to attract top talent efficiently.

3. Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings attracts sports fans with its casual vibe and multiple screens, creating a fun atmosphere and good tipping potential for servers.

4. Castaway

Castaway is an upscale restaurant with stunning views, known for fine dining and events, where servers earn top wages paired with higher tipping opportunities.

5. Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse offers hearty Australian-inspired dishes in a welcoming setting; its servers benefit from competitive wages and generous tips during busy hours.

Learn more about advancing your career with our comprehensive guide on becoming a server.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Server Earnings in Burbank, CA

The type of restaurant greatly affects a Server’s earning potential due to differences in base wage and tip income.

Upscale dining venues like Castaway typically pay higher base wages, around $16.50 per hour, and attract clientele who tip generously, potentially adding $20-$30 per hour.

Casual spots, such as Buffalo Wild Wings or Olive Garden, often have base pay near $15.50 to $16 per hour, with tips ranging $10-$15 per hour on average.

• Location and client demographics: Restaurants in affluent areas or popular tourist spots see higher tips.
• Certifications and skill level: Servers with food handling certificates and extensive experience may earn better pay.
• Shift timing: Weekends and evening shifts generally yield higher tips than weekday day shifts.

Employers can improve hiring outcomes by understanding restaurant staff hiring strategies and how they impact pay and retention.

How To Find a High Paying Server Job in Burbank, CA

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize relevant experience and customer service skills.
• Practice common interview questions to convey confidence and professionalism.
• Network with local hospitality professionals to uncover hidden job opportunities.
• Obtain food safety and alcohol service certifications to increase employability.
• Target upscale restaurants and popular chains known for better pay and tips.

Explore common server interview questions and tips to ace your next job interview.

What’s the Outlook for Server Jobs in Burbank, CA in 2025 and Beyond?

The demand for servers in Burbank is expected to remain steady or grow modestly as the dining and entertainment industry rebounds.

Restaurants and venues continue to open or expand, increasing employment opportunities for servers with strong customer service and adaptability.

According to industry trends, Burbank’s hospitality sector will value experienced servers increasingly, especially in fine dining and event-based venues.

Is a Server’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Burbank, CA?

Servers in Burbank earn about $16 per hour base pay,$10 to $30 hourly in tips, leading to an estimated annual income of approximately $40,000 to $65,000 depending on hours and tips.

Typical living costs in Burbank include:

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: around $1,700 per month
• Utilities and internet: approximately $150 per month
• Groceries and food: about $300-$500 per month

While modest, the combined salary and tips often enable servers to meet basic living expenses with careful budgeting and additional income sources.

Employers looking to retain their staff may find benefits in reviewing our strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover spotlight.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Burbank, CA Server Jobs

We selected restaurants based on a combination of competitive base pay, location, and earning potential via tips.

• Reputation: Popular venues with consistent positive reviews and strong customer bases.
• Work environment: Supportive management and positive employee feedback.
• Opportunity for growth: Restaurants offering cross-training or advancement within hospitality.
• Location: Easy access via public transport or within busy commercial areas encouraging high foot traffic.

These factors ensure a balance of financial reward and job satisfaction for servers in Burbank.

To learn more about the career options and job descriptions for servers, visit our server job description page.