As the hospitality industry continues to thrive, the demand for servers in Colorado is also on the rise. But just how much do servers in the state make?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think. While minimum wage laws apply to all workers in Colorado, servers fall under a different category and are paid differently. So let’s dive in and explore the factors that determine how much servers make in Colorado.
Servers in Colorado make an average hourly wage of $12.32. However, this can vary depending on the establishment and the server’s experience and performance. Additionally, servers often earn tips, which can significantly increase their overall earnings. Some restaurants may also offer benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
How Much Do Servers Make in Colorado?
As a server in Colorado, you might be wondering what the average salary is in your line of work. The answer to that question is not as straightforward as you might think, as there are many factors that can influence how much money you make each year. In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that can impact your salary as a server in Colorado, and provide you with some guidance on what you can expect to earn.
Tip Income
One of the biggest factors that can impact your salary as a server in Colorado is your tip income. Unlike other states, Colorado allows employers to pay servers a lower minimum wage if they receive tips that bring their overall pay up to the state’s minimum wage. In 2021, the minimum wage in Colorado is $12.32 per hour, but the minimum wage for tipped employees is only $9.30 per hour. This means that your tip income is a crucial part of your overall salary as a server.
While there is no hard and fast rule about how much you can expect to earn in tips, most servers in Colorado report making between 15% and 20% of their total sales in tips. For example, if you work at a restaurant that brings in $1,000 in sales on a busy night, you might expect to earn between $150 and $200 in tips that night. However, this can vary widely based on the type of restaurant you work at, the clientele you serve, and the quality of your service.
To maximize your tip income, it’s important to provide excellent service to your customers. This means being attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. You should also be able to handle customer complaints and difficult situations with grace and professionalism.
Experience and Education
Another factor that can impact your salary as a server in Colorado is your level of experience and education. Generally speaking, servers with more experience and education will earn more money than those who are just starting out.
If you’re new to the industry, you might start out as a host or a busser before working your way up to a serving position. This can be a great way to gain experience and learn the ropes of the restaurant industry. As you gain more experience, you can start to take on more responsibilities and earn more money.
In terms of education, some restaurants may prefer servers who have completed a culinary or hospitality program. These programs can teach you valuable skills that will make you a better server, such as wine pairing, menu planning, and customer service. However, experience is often more important than education in the restaurant industry, so don’t let a lack of formal education hold you back.
Type of Restaurant
The type of restaurant you work at can also impact your salary as a server in Colorado. Fine dining restaurants, for example, often have higher prices and more upscale clientele, which can lead to higher tips and higher salaries for servers. However, these restaurants may also have higher expectations for their servers in terms of dress code, behavior, and knowledge of the menu.
On the other hand, casual restaurants and fast food establishments may have lower prices and more laid-back atmospheres, which can lead to lower tips and lower salaries for servers. However, these restaurants may be more flexible in terms of scheduling and may offer more opportunities for advancement within the company.
Benefits of Being a Server in Colorado
Despite the challenges of working as a server in Colorado, there are many benefits to this line of work. For one, serving can be a great way to earn extra money while pursuing other interests or attending school. Many restaurants offer flexible scheduling and part-time positions that can accommodate a variety of lifestyles.
Additionally, serving can be a great way to develop valuable skills that can be useful in other industries. For example, serving requires excellent communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and the ability to multitask. These skills can be useful in a variety of careers, from sales to management.
Overall, the salary of a server in Colorado can vary widely based on a variety of factors. However, by providing excellent service, gaining experience and education, and working at the right type of restaurant, you can maximize your earning potential and enjoy the many benefits of this exciting and rewarding career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you curious about how much servers make in Colorado? Here are some frequently asked questions about server wages in the state.
What is the minimum wage for servers in Colorado?
In Colorado, the minimum wage for servers is $8.98 per hour. However, servers who earn tips can be paid a lower wage of $5.29 per hour, as long as their tips bring their total hourly wage up to at least $8.98.
If a server does not make enough tips to reach the minimum wage of $8.98 per hour, their employer is required to make up the difference.
What is the average hourly wage for servers in Colorado?
The average hourly wage for servers in Colorado varies depending on the location and type of restaurant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, servers in Colorado earned an average hourly wage of $12.87.
This wage can be higher or lower depending on factors such as the restaurant’s location, the type of cuisine, the server’s experience, and the level of tips they receive.
Do servers in Colorado receive benefits?
Whether servers in Colorado receive benefits depends on the restaurant they work for. Some restaurants may offer benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans to their servers, while others may not.
It is important for servers to ask about benefits during the interview process and to carefully review the employee handbook to understand what benefits are available to them.
Can servers in Colorado earn a living wage?
It is possible for servers in Colorado to earn a living wage if they work at a high-end restaurant with a large customer base and generous tipping culture. However, for servers at smaller restaurants or those with less generous tipping culture, it can be difficult to earn enough to make ends meet.
It is important for servers to carefully budget their income and to have a backup plan in case they do not earn enough in tips to cover their expenses.
What skills do servers in Colorado need to succeed?
To succeed as a server in Colorado, it is important to have strong customer service skills, good communication skills, and a friendly and approachable demeanor. Servers should also be able to multitask, work well under pressure, and have a good memory for orders and menu items.
Additionally, servers should be knowledgeable about the restaurant’s menu and be able to make recommendations to customers.
How much do I make as a server??? Week in my life~ EP. 1
In conclusion, the average salary of servers in Colorado varies based on several factors, including location, experience, and the type of establishment they work in. While the minimum wage for tipped employees in Colorado is $9.30 per hour, servers can earn significantly more through tips. Some high-end establishments in cities like Denver and Boulder may pay their servers higher hourly rates, while those in rural areas may earn less.
Despite the potential for high earnings, being a server can be a challenging and demanding job. Servers must be able to multitask, work under pressure, and provide exceptional customer service. They must also be knowledgeable about the menu and able to make recommendations to customers.
Overall, serving can be a lucrative career in Colorado, but it requires hard work and dedication. With the right experience and skills, servers can earn a comfortable income and enjoy the satisfaction of providing excellent service to their customers.