Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary in Houston, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Median annual salary $29,880 -13.3% vs national
Median hourly $14.37
10th percentile $25,060
90th percentile $35,490
Employed locally 3,910
National median $34,460

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Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
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Houston, TX
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    In Houston, Texas, food servers in nonrestaurant settings typically earn a median annual salary of $29,880, which translates to an hourly wage of $14.37. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $34,460 annually. Compared to the local area's median household income of $80,458, the earnings for food servers represent approximately 37% of what a typical Houston household earns each year. Despite this disparity, employment in this sector remains relatively robust with an estimated workforce of 3,910 individuals, reflecting ongoing demand within the local economy where the unemployment rate is currently at 4.40%.

    The salary range for entry-level versus experienced food servers in Houston indicates significant variation based on experience and skill level. Entry-level workers, represented by the 10th percentile, earn around $25,060 annually, whereas those at the 90th percentile can expect to make approximately $35,490 per year. This disparity is driven largely by factors such as tenure, location within the city, specific employer policies, and additional responsibilities or roles that more experienced workers might undertake. The median earnings sit at $29,880, with individuals in the 25th percentile earning about $27,380 and those in the 75th percentile making around $31,300 annually. This spread highlights how experience, skill development, and job performance can significantly influence potential income within this occupation.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $25,060
    25th
    $27,380
    50th (median)
    $29,880
    75th
    $31,300
    90th
    $35,490

    Houston economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,458 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary vs area income 37% Median Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary is 63% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Houston, TX is $14.37, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.26 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary in Houston, TX is 13.3% 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 Houston?

    Entry-level Food Servers, Nonrestaurant (10th percentile) earn around $25,060 per year in Houston, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,380.