salary$28,100 a year$14 an hour · median pay in the Knoxville, TN area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$15,080per year
Top pay (top 10%)$47,790per year
Jobs in the area7,260people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Knoxville?
Expensive. Rent of $1,544 a month takes 65.9% 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 Knoxville, TN?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Knoxville, TN area is $28,100 a year ($14 an hour). Most earn between $15,080 and $47,790.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Knoxville?
Typical rent of $1,544 a month takes 65.9% 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 Knoxville, TN metro area.