salary$42,930 a year$21 an hour · median pay in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$27,140per year
Top pay (top 10%)$73,590per year
Jobs in the area8,080people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Grand Rapids?
Expensive. Rent of $1,751 a month takes 48.9% 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a server (waiter/waitress) make in Grand Rapids, MI?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area is $42,930 a year ($21 an hour). Most earn between $27,140 and $73,590.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Grand Rapids?
Typical rent of $1,751 a month takes 48.9% 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metro area.