In the window

How Much Does a Server Make?

The job of a FOH engineer is to ensure that sound travels well throughout a venue, whether it’s a concert hall, sports stadium, or nightclub. This includes ensuring that the audience hears every word of the artist’s performance, and that the crowd doesn’t hear anything else. In addition to making sure there are no gaps in the mix, FOH engineers must make sure that the system works properly during peak times, such as concerts or sporting events. A FOH engineer typically works alone or with one or two others. They might be responsible for everything from designing the entire system to programming the mixing console. A typical day starts early, around 4am, and ends late, sometimes even later than midnight.

A bartender makes an average of $26K annually. But it varies based on location and experience level. The median annual wage for servers is $24K, while bar backs make around half that amount.

On the fly

How to Be a Good Server (and Earn Great Tips)

A barback works behind the bar, washing glasses and cleaning up spills. They are responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly, making sure bartenders don't run out of supplies, and keeping track of inventory. While it might seem like a simple job, there are many different types of barbacks. Some do just one thing; others serve multiple functions. Here are some things you need to know about working as a bartender or server.

How to Be a Good Server (and Earn Great Tips)
How to Choose the Right Restaurant to Work In

How to Choose the Right Restaurant to Work In

On average servers in the United States earn $25,830 annually. However, the median annual salary is about $20,000 less. In fact, the lowest paid 10% of servers earn just over $10,000 per year. But what does it take to land a server job? How do you prepare yourself for employment? What are some ways to increase your chances of getting hired? What are the best places to look for jobs? And how much money can you really hope to make? We answer these questions and many others in our article "How Much Does a Server Earn?".

Fast Food Restaurants Without Table Service

Tips work differently in different types of businesses. For example, in a restaurant, tips are typically split up among waiters, cooks, and dishwashers. But some restaurants do pay employees a set hourly wage regardless of whether they receive tips. If you're wondering what to tip your waiter, check out our guide on how to figure out how much to tip.

Fast Food Restaurants Without Table Service
Restaurants Offering Table Service
Restaurants Offering Table Service

Servers are often seen as invisible employees. They work behind the scenes, serving food and drinks, cleaning tables, taking care of customers' needs, and making sure everything runs smoothly. But servers do much more than just make sure things run smoothly. They're ambassadors for the restaurant, interacting with guests, answering questions, and helping out wherever possible. And it's those interactions that can really earn you great tips. Here are some ways to improve your customer service skills and increase your tips. 1. Make eye contact. When you look someone in the eyes, you show interest and respect. If you don't know what to say, simply smile and nod. You'll feel better about yourself and your job. 2. Listen carefully. Don't interrupt people while they talk. Ask open-ended questions like "What did you think?" and "How else could we serve you?" Then listen intently without judgment. 3. Smile. Smiling makes people happy, and happy customers tend to give generous tips. 4. Say thank you. People appreciate being recognized for doing something well. Saying thank you lets the person know he or she is appreciated. 5. Show appreciation. Give compliments to your regulars. Let them know how much you enjoy working there. 6. Thank your manager. Your boss deserves recognition too. Tell him or her what a great job you've done.

Takeout or Food Delivery Restaurants

There are four main categories of restaurant to consider when choosing whether it's best to work in a fast food or full service establishment. Fast Casual Restaurants These restaurants offer grab-and go meals, such as Chipotle, Panera and Starbucks. They're typically easy to spot because they do not require reservations and often serve morning breakfasts. Quick Service Restaurants These restaurants are similar to fast casual restaurants except they tend to offer table service. Some examples include Subway, Taco Bell, and Wendy's. Sit Down Restaurants Restaurants that provide both beverages and food. This could mean fine dining establishments, coffee houses or even pizza joints. Many people prefer working in a sit down restaurant because they feel there is a better opportunity for advancement within the organization.

Takeout or Food Delivery Restaurants

Frequently Asked Questions

A restaurant is where food is prepared and served to customers. A bar is where drinks are sold.