salary$35,230 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$18,020per year
Top pay (top 10%)$62,540per year
Jobs in the area3,560people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Durham?
Expensive. Rent of $1,797 a month takes 61.2% 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 Durham, NC?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area is $35,230 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $18,020 and $62,540.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Durham?
Typical rent of $1,797 a month takes 61.2% 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area.