salary$30,610 a year$15 an hour · median pay in the Wilmington, NC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$17,530per year
Top pay (top 10%)$59,310per year
Jobs in the area4,920people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Wilmington?
Expensive. Rent of $1,730 a month takes 67.8% 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 Wilmington, NC?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Wilmington, NC area is $30,610 a year ($15 an hour). Most earn between $17,530 and $59,310.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Wilmington?
Typical rent of $1,730 a month takes 67.8% 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 Wilmington, NC metro area.