salary$37,490 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Columbus, OH area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$24,370per year
Top pay (top 10%)$63,250per year
Jobs in the area15,900people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Columbus?
Expensive. Rent of $1,611 a month takes 51.6% 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a server (waiter/waitress) make in Columbus, OH?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Columbus, OH area is $37,490 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $24,370 and $63,250.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Columbus?
Typical rent of $1,611 a month takes 51.6% 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 Columbus, OH metro area.