salary$16,640 a year$8 an hour · median pay in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$15,080per year
Top pay (top 10%)$42,410per year
Jobs in the area10,050people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford New Orleans?
Expensive. Rent of $1,508 a month takes 108.7% 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 New Orleans, LA?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area is $16,640 a year ($8 an hour). Most earn between $15,080 and $42,410.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in New Orleans?
Typical rent of $1,508 a month takes 108.7% 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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro area.