salary$17,810 a year$9 an hour · median pay in the Columbia, SC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$15,080per year
Top pay (top 10%)$43,540per year
Jobs in the area6,580people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Columbia?
Expensive. Rent of $1,394 a month takes 93.9% of the median server (waiter/waitress) salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Server (Waiter/Waitress) pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Columbia
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a server (waiter/waitress) make in Columbia, SC?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Columbia, SC area is $17,810 a year ($9 an hour). Most earn between $15,080 and $43,540.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Columbia?
Typical rent of $1,394 a month takes 93.9% of the median server (waiter/waitress) salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Columbia, SC metro area.