Server in New Fulton Market Restaurant

As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees such as restaurant servers is $2.13 per hour as of 2026. Tips received plus the cash wage must total at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, or the employer must pay the difference. This rule applies nationwide unless overridden by higher state minimums.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for restaurant cooks is $38,100 as of May 2026. The hourly median is $18.32 based on full-time employment. Wages range from $27,500 at the 10th percentile to $50,200 at the 90th percentile.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offers the H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural workers, including seasonal restaurant positions like banquet servers. Applications require a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor and are subject to a fiscal year cap of 66,000 visas plus supplemental allocations. Petitions must be filed by June 17, 2026 for FY2027 cap-subject.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports no formal educational credential is required for waiters and waitresses. Most receive short-term on-the-job training lasting less than 1 month. Previous experience in customer service is helpful but not required for entry-level positions.