salary$45,310 a year$22 an hour · median pay in the Rochester, NY area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$32,240per year
Top pay (top 10%)$80,400per year
Jobs in the area6,070people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Rochester?
Expensive. Rent of $1,331 a month takes 35.3% 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 Rochester, NY?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Rochester, NY area is $45,310 a year ($22 an hour). Most earn between $32,240 and $80,400.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Rochester?
Typical rent of $1,331 a month takes 35.3% 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 Rochester, NY metro area.