Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary in Detroit, MI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Median annual salary $32,070 -6.9% vs national
Median hourly $15.42
10th percentile $27,740
90th percentile $37,220
Employed locally 3,400
National median $34,460

Compare Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Detroit, MI stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
in
Detroit, MI
vs

    In Detroit, MI, the typical Food Server, Nonrestaurant worker earns a median annual salary of $32,070, which translates to an hourly wage of approximately $15.42. This is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $34,460 annually. When comparing these figures to the local median household income in Detroit, which is $75,123, it's evident that food servers earn significantly less than the average household. This discrepancy highlights the financial challenges faced by individuals working in this sector compared to the broader economic picture of households within the area.

    For entry-level Food Servers, Nonrestaurant workers in Detroit, earnings are generally lower, with those at the 10th percentile earning around $27,740 annually. In contrast, more experienced workers can earn closer to or above the median salary range, with individuals at the 75th and 90th percentiles earning approximately $36,410 and $37,220 per year, respectively. The differences in earnings between entry-level and seasoned professionals are driven by factors such as experience, length of service, and skill level. Experienced workers often benefit from higher tips and may have better knowledge of customer preferences and efficient service techniques, contributing to their increased earning potential over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $27,740
    25th
    $29,490
    50th (median)
    $32,070
    75th
    $36,410
    90th
    $37,220

    Detroit economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $75,123 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary vs area income 43% Median Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary is 57% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Servers, Nonrestaurant make per hour in Detroit?

    The median hourly wage for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Detroit, MI is $15.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.19 or more per hour.

    Is Detroit above or below average for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salaries?

    The median Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary in Detroit, MI is 6.9% below the national median of $34,460. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Detroit?

    Entry-level Food Servers, Nonrestaurant (10th percentile) earn around $27,740 per year in Detroit, MI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,490.