Restaurant & fine dining
Server
The room you work in decides your income, not your skill.
Typical pay
$28k-$70k including tips
How you get in
On the job; alcohol server certification where required
Outlook
Always hiring; the good rooms are competitive
Servers take orders, run food and manage a section through a shift. Income is tips, which means the restaurant concept and average check matter more than how good you are — a great server at a diner earns less than an average one at a steakhouse.
A day in the life
- 3:30pSide work — polish glassware, fold napkins, roll silver
- 4:30pPre-shift lineup, learn the specials
- 5:00pDoors open, first tables sat
- 7:30pPeak — six tables at different courses
- 10:00pLast seating, start closing side work
- 11:30pTip out the bar and bussers, cash out
How to get in
Start where they will take you
Duration
Days to weeks
Cost
$0-$50 for an alcohol server card
Credential
State alcohol server certification where required
- Get hired at a casual restaurant that trains new servers
- Learn the POS, the menu and how to manage a section
- Get your alcohol server card
- Move to a higher-check restaurant as soon as you are competent
Work up to fine dining
Duration
1-3 years
Cost
$0-$500 for wine coursework
Credential
None; wine knowledge is the real currency
- Build a year or two of solid casual experience
- Learn wine seriously — this is what separates fine dining candidates
- Apply to steakhouses, hotels and chef-driven restaurants
- Doubling your average check roughly doubles your income
Server into management or sommelier
Duration
2-5 years
Cost
$0-$5,000 for certifications
Credential
Court of Master Sommeliers or ServSafe Manager
- Master the floor and start training new servers
- Add a sommelier certification or a management credential
- Move to assistant manager, beverage director or GM
- Trades tip income for a salary and benefits
What people love
- · Cash at the end of every shift
- · No credential or experience required
- · Fine dining and high-check rooms pay very well
- · Daytime hours free for school or another pursuit
What wears people down
- · Income depends on the venue, the section and the weather
- · Nights, weekends and every holiday
- · On your feet for eight hours with no real break
- · Rarely any benefits