salary$35,270 a year$17 an hour · median pay in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$27,050per year
Top pay (top 10%)$60,030per year
Jobs in the area3,730people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Lakeland?
Expensive. Rent of $1,676 a month takes 57.0% 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 Lakeland, FL?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area is $35,270 a year ($17 an hour). Most earn between $27,050 and $60,030.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Lakeland?
Typical rent of $1,676 a month takes 57.0% 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 Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL metro area.