Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary: $35,360 Median (2025)
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant earn a median $35,360 per year, or about $17 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $28,030 at the 10th percentile to $46,120 at the 90th, so pay varies by location and experience. This guide covers salary by state, how to enter the field, and what the job market looks like through 2034.
How much Food Servers, Nonrestaurant earn
The national median salary for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant is $35,360 annually, with a mean wage of $36,140 (about $17.38 per hour). The lowest-earning 10% make $28,030 or less, while the top 10% earn $46,120 or more. These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for May 2023.
Pay typically depends on the type of employer, geographic location, and hours worked. Unlike restaurant servers, nonrestaurant food servers often work in institutional settings like hospitals, schools, or catering operations, where tips may be minimal or nonexistent.
Pay by state
Location significantly affects earnings. The highest-paying states for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant are New York ($39,370), California ($39,010), Colorado ($38,900), Washington ($38,870), and Alaska ($38,090). In those states, median salaries exceed $38,000.
On the lower end, Arkansas ($27,600), Mississippi ($27,250), and Louisiana ($27,200) pay around $27,000 annually. If you're considering the career and can relocate, moving to a higher-paying state can boost earnings by more than $10,000 per year.
How to become Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
The path is straightforward. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typical, lasting a few weeks to a month. No formal certification or license is needed nationally, though some states require a food handler’s card or ServSafe certification.
Key steps: complete high school, apply for entry-level positions (cafeterias, catering companies, hospitals), and pass a background check if working in schools or healthcare. Strong customer service skills and the ability to stand for long periods are essential. With experience, you can move into supervisory roles.
Job outlook
Employment of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the average for all occupations. The BLS expects roughly 48,000 openings each year over that decade, mostly to replace workers who leave the occupation. With 293,900 current jobs, the field offers steady entry-level opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Food Server, Nonrestaurant do?
They serve food to customers in settings like cafeterias, hospitals, schools, or catering events — not in traditional restaurants. Tasks include setting up serving stations, portioning food, cleaning tables, and interacting with customers.
Do Food Servers, Nonrestaurant get tips?
Unlike restaurant servers, tipping is not typical in most nonrestaurant settings. The salary figures shown are base wages, not tip-inclusive. Some catering or event roles may receive occasional gratuities.
What is the difference between Food Servers, Nonrestaurant and restaurant servers?
Restaurant servers (BLS code 35-3031) have a different wage profile and often earn tips. Nonrestaurant servers work in institutional or off-premise settings and have a median salary of $35,360, compared to restaurant servers’ median of about $32,000 (plus tips).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Food Servers, Nonrestaurant data.