How much does an Am Server make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Am Server in California is $26,882 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $13.

However, an Am Server's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $30,738
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $24,888 to $28,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $23,074

Key Factors That Influence Am Server Salaries

An Am Server's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Am Server Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Am Server's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $26,461
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $45,991
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $62,072
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $93,521
  • Expert (over 8 years): $130,246
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Am Server less than 1 year $26,461
Assistant Restaurant Manager 1-2 years $45,991
Restaurant Manager 2-4 years $62,072
Regional Restaurant Manager 5-8 years $93,521
Restaurant Director over 8 years $130,246

Top Paying Cities for Am Server

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $26,928
  • West Hollywood: $26,908
  • Dodgertown: $26,928

Am Server Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Am Server roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Am Server positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Am Server as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Am Server

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $32,258 $16.0 20%

Am Server Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Am Server's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$24,888
Average $26,882/year
$28,900
$2,074
Average $2,240/month
$2,408
$479
Average $517/week
$556
$12
Average $13/hour
$14
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $28,900 $2,408 $556 $14
Average $26,882 $2,240 $517 $13
25th Percentile $24,888 $2,074 $479 $12

Find Your Next Am Server Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Am Server job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Crescent Hotels & Resorts LLC | Santa Monica, CA

    Crescent Hotels & Resorts LLC | Santa Monica, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Join the Sandbourne Santa Monica Team. Sandbourne Santa Monica is a design-forward retreat where hospitality is elevated ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Pacific Hospitality Group | Huntington Beach, CA

    Pacific Hospitality Group | Huntington Beach, CA

    Job Opportunity. Pacific Hospitality Group provides a unique value proposition to investors and team members through our owner/operator approach. We are a ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Kimpton Hotels | San Francisco, CA

    Kimpton Hotels | San Francisco, CA

    Kimpton Hotels - - Responsibilities: Maintain a clean dining area by bussing tables in an efficient, courteous and accurate manner. Serve beverages promptl... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Remington Hospitality | Yountville, CA

    Remington Hospitality | Yountville, CA

    Job Posting. Hourly Pay Rate: $16.50+tips. What You Will Be Doing. Greet customers promptly upon taking a seat in the restaurant. Share any specials or mak... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Kimpton | San Francisco, CA

    Kimpton | San Francisco, CA

    Why We're Here. We believe heartfelt, human connections make people's lives better. Especially the people who work here. Our founder, Bill Kimpton rebelled... more

    9 Days Ago

  • HHM Hotels | San Jose, CA

    HHM Hotels | San Jose, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Overview. Opportunity: Bistro Server. Serve food and/or beverage to guests in a courteous and friendly manner and in acco... more

    6 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst