Tennessee ranks 44th of 51 states and D.C. for food servers, nonrestaurant pay, trailing top-paying Colorado ($38,180) by $9,130 — a 31% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $17,500 to $37,930 — a $20,430 spread, 12% wider than the national $18,180 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 1.8% of all food servers, nonrestaurant in the country (4,940 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $17,500 | $8.42 |
| 25th percentile | $23,840 | $11.46 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,050 | $13.97 |
| 75th percentile | $33,950 | $16.32 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Mean (average) | $29,010 | $13.95 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $29,050 | n/a |
| Colorado | $38,180 | +31% |
| New York | $38,010 | +31% |
| Washington | $37,770 | +30% |
| California | $37,690 | +30% |
| District of Columbia | $37,570 | +29% |
| Hawaii | $37,470 | +29% |
| Massachusetts | $36,540 | +26% |
| New Hampshire | $36,110 | +24% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $29,030 | 13,190 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $29,000 | 2,890 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $28,980 | 22,530 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,170 | 5,240 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $29,200 | 6,400 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $29,210 | 1,590 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary in Tennessee?
The mean food servers, nonrestaurant salary in Tennessee is $29,010 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,050 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Tennessee?
Entry-level food servers, nonrestaurants (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $17,500 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $23,840 per year.
What is the highest Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $37,930 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $33,950 per year.
How does the Tennessee Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary compare to the national average?
The median food servers, nonrestaurant salary in Tennessee is $29,050, which is -16% below national average of $34,460.