Introduction
A server is a person who works in the food service industry, typically in a restaurant or bar setting. Their main duties include taking orders from customers, delivering food and drinks to tables, and providing customer service. So, what kind of money do servers make an hour? This article will explore this question in depth, examining the impact of local minimum wage laws on server wages, comparing server wages across different types of establishments, and exploring the role of tips in server pay.
Interviewing a Server: An Inside Look at How Much Money Servers Make Per Hour
To gain a better understanding of how much money servers make an hour, I interviewed several servers from different types of establishments. They reported that their wages vary depending on the type of establishment they work in. For example, servers in fine dining restaurants make more per hour than those in fast food restaurants, and experienced servers make more than inexperienced ones. Additionally, the wages of servers can be impacted by local minimum wage laws.
Analyzing the Impact of Local Minimum Wage Laws on Server Wages
Local minimum wage laws have a significant impact on the wages of servers. According to the National Employment Law Project, “in the absence of a federal minimum wage increase, many states and localities are taking action to raise their minimum wages.” These laws often require employers to pay their employees a certain amount of money per hour, regardless of whether they receive tips or not. As a result, servers in these areas may be paid more than those in areas without such laws.
Additionally, some states have adopted “tipped minimum wage” laws, which allow employers to pay their tipped employees less than the standard minimum wage. Under these laws, employers must ensure that the combined amount of the employee’s base wage and tips equals the state’s minimum wage. If the employee’s tips do not meet this requirement, the employer must make up the difference. This can significantly affect the wages of servers, depending on their tips.
Comparing Server Wages Across Different Types of Establishments
The type of establishment where a server works can have a major impact on their wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for servers in full-service restaurants was $9.90 in 2019, while the median wage for servers in fast food restaurants was only $8.90. Experienced servers tend to make more money than inexperienced ones, with the median wage for experienced servers in full-service restaurants being $13.30 per hour compared to $9.60 for inexperienced servers.
Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Working as a Server
Working as a server has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, servers get to interact with customers and have the potential to earn a decent wage if they are experienced and work in a high-end establishment. However, servers must also deal with long hours, low pay, and difficult customers. Additionally, since their income is dependent on tips, their wages can fluctuate greatly depending on the generosity of their customers.
Examining the Role of Tips in Server Pay
Tips play a major role in the wages of servers. According to a survey conducted by the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, “77% of all restaurant workers depend on tips to survive.” Additionally, tips can be impacted by factors such as the size of the bill, the number of people in the party, and the politeness of the customers. As a result, servers may experience wildly different wages depending on their customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wages of servers vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of establishment they work in, the local minimum wage laws, and the generosity of customers. Additionally, servers must weigh the potential benefits of working in the food service industry against the drawbacks, such as long hours and unreliable wages. Ultimately, the answer to the question of how much servers make an hour is complex and highly dependent on individual circumstances.
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