Restaurants Where Servers Make the Most Money at in Lincoln, NE: Key Takeaways
- Chili's leads in average pay, with servers earning about $24.51 per hour including tips.
- Servers in Lincoln, NE, typically earn between $19.00 to $24.51 per hour from base pay and tips combined.
- Tips add an extra $5-$15 per hour depending on the restaurant's volume and clientele, boosting overall earnings significantly.
In Lincoln, NE, servers can find lucrative opportunities at several popular restaurants that offer competitive wages and strong tipping potential.
This article provides a detailed overview of where servers can earn the most money, including the salary breakdown for top-paying venues.
For servers looking to improve their job prospects and interview skills, explore our server resume examples to build a standout application.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Servers in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln has a variety of dining options, from casual chain restaurants to local favorites, where servers can earn competitive wages enhanced by tips.
Chili's
Known nationwide for its Tex-Mex cuisine and lively atmosphere, Chili's in Lincoln stands out for paying servers around $24.51 per hour, boosted by a high tipping culture.
Texas Roadhouse
This steakhouse chain is famous for its hearty American dishes and energetic service style, offering servers an average pay of about $21.15 per hour including tips.
To assist managers in hiring effective front-of-house staff like servers, read our tips for hiring servers that attract top talent.
The Eatery
A local hangout spot known for its approachable menu and friendly vibe, The Eatery offers servers an average wage of approximately $20.92 per hour.
Lazlo's Brewery & Grill
Popular for handcrafted beers and an eclectic menu, Lazlo's rewards its servers with an average pay of $20.00 per hour along with a steady flow of tips.
Red Robin
With a family-friendly setting and gourmet burgers, Red Robin provides reliable server earnings averaging around $19.00 per hour, tips included.
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The Impact of Restaurant Type on Server Earnings
The nature of the restaurant largely dictates how much servers make, especially in terms of tips and base pay.
Casual restaurants and chain locations like Red Robin and Texas Roadhouse tend to offer consistent base wages with tips averaging between $5 to $10 per hour.
Upscale or high-volume venues such as Chili's and Lazlo's can significantly increase tipping potential, sometimes bringing total server income to between $15 to $25 per hour.
- Location: Restaurants in busy areas or close to entertainment hubs see more patrons, increasing tip potential.
- Experience and Skills: Servers with good customer service skills or certifications in responsible alcohol service can command higher wages.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often yield higher tips compared to daytime hours.
Servers can boost their career growth by learning essential skills and preparing well for common interview questions, as detailed in our server interview questions guide.
How To Find a High Paying Server Job in Lincoln, NE
- Research Popular Restaurants: Target venues known for higher pay and strong tipping environments.
- Build a Strong Resume: Highlight your service experience and certifications such as TIPS or ServeSafe.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice common restaurant interview questions focusing on customer service skills.
- Network Locally: Connect with restaurant managers and current servers to learn about openings.
- Be Flexible with Shifts: Offering availability for high-traffic shifts can increase your chances of securing top-paying roles.
For servers looking to sharpen their skills and confidence, the server training manual template offers practical methods and training insights.
What’s the Outlook for Server Jobs in Lincoln, NE in 2025 and Beyond?
Server positions in Lincoln are expected to grow steadily alongside the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
With new restaurants opening and an expanding population, demand for skilled servers remains strong.
Enhanced focus on customer experience means that servers with strong interpersonal skills and certifications will be particularly sought after.
Is a Server’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Lincoln, NE?
Servers earning around $20 to $25 per hour, combining base pay and tips, can make approximately $41,600 to $52,000 annually if working full-time.
Lincoln has a reasonable cost of living, with:
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $800 - $1,000 per month
- Utilities and internet: $150 per month
- Groceries and essentials: $300 - $400 per month
These expenses allow servers earning this wage range to live comfortably, especially when managing budgets wisely and possibly sharing housing.
Explore salary insights and tips for servers in our detailed servers’ salary guide to understand earning potentials better.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Lincoln, NE Server Jobs
Our recommendations focus on restaurants offering competitive wages, regular shifts, and good tips potential.
We considered location, customer volume, and reputation, ensuring these workplaces provide consistent earning opportunities.
Additionally, restaurants known to support their staff with training and career growth prospects were prioritized to offer servers not just good pay but also professional development options.
Employers interested in improving staff retention and satisfaction might find valuable strategies in our strategies to reduce restaurant turnover spotlight.
