Server Salaries in United Kingdom

The average salary for a Server is £36,739 per year in United Kingdom. Salaries estimates are based on 621 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Server employees in United Kingdom.

The highest salary for a Server in United Kingdom is £85,704 per year.

The lowest salary for a Server in United Kingdom is £22,729 per year.

Employment as a counter service assistant offers income and flexibility to candidates without any formal education requirements. While median hourly pay is in line with minimum wage or living wage, successful counter service assistants can earn large tips. They might supplement their income with other part-time work, or other jobs in the gig economy. Counter service assistants can progress to managerial positions with experience and might receive non-monetary perks like free meals.

To earn a higher salary as a server, it is a good idea to target a niche and boost your professional experience in the field. Examples may include fine dining, family dining, pub, café, and hotel dining. If you want to excel as a professional in five-star restaurants, for instance, start in local fine dining restaurants or hotels and continue your career path from there.

Demonstrate excellent proficiency in valuable skills such as customer service, teamwork, food and beverage knowledge, efficiency, and attention to detail. Consider obtaining certifications such as the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders or the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the industry.

Joining a union such as Unite the Union or the GMB can also provide you with access to collective bargaining and other resources to help you negotiate for better pay and working conditions.

Looking to negotiate a higher salary in your job as a server? Factor in your experience level. Every role counts, and this includes all front-of-the-house restaurant positions, such as hosts/hostesses, bussers, runners, and server assistants. The more experience you have, the greater an asset you are and the more money you'll be paid. Also, consider how you align with a specific restaurant's needs; if your experience is in small casual establishments, and you're interested in a bustling five-star restaurant, for instance, that gap gives you less negotiating power. You can also negotiate for more paid time off or more flexible work hours.

About 60.19% of Server professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional £14,332 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Server in United Kingdom as a good salary.

Server professionals in United Kingdom have a wide total pay range, between £17,809 and £244,985 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of £36,739 following the average career path of a Server.