Food Server, Nonrestaurant Salary in South Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in South Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Carolina Median
$31,740
per year
Hourly Rate
$15.26
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-10% vs US median
US median $35,360
State Rank
#35 of 51
2,990 employed here

How much does a Food Server, Nonrestaurant make in South Carolina?

A Food Server, Nonrestaurant working in South Carolina earns a median salary of $31,740 per year, or about $15.26 per hour. That is 10% below the national median of $35,360 for this occupation.

Within South Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $19,100 while the top 10% make $37,480 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $28,460 and $35,920 a year.

Food Server, Nonrestaurant salary range in South Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$19,100$9.18
25th percentile (early career)$28,460$13.68
50th percentile (median)$31,740$15.26
75th percentile (experienced)$35,920$17.27
90th percentile (top earners)$37,480$18.02

How South Carolina compares

South Carolina ranks 35th out of 51 states and territories for Food Server, Nonrestaurant pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1New York$39,370
2California$39,010
3Colorado$38,900
4Washington$38,870
5Alaska$38,090

Working as a Food Server, Nonrestaurant in South Carolina

Nationally, about 294,000 people work as Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in the United States. No college degree is required — most training happens on the job.

Considering a move? Compare South Carolina pay ($31,740) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Food Server, Nonrestaurant make in South Carolina?
The median Food Server, Nonrestaurant salary in South Carolina is $31,740 per year, or about $15.26 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $19,100 at the entry level to $37,480 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Carolina pay compare to the national average?
South Carolina pays Food Servers, Nonrestaurant about 10% less than the national median of $35,360. South Carolina ranks 35th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Carolina a good state for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $31,740 a year. About 2,990 Food Servers, Nonrestaurant are employed in South Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in South Carolina include General Internal Medicine Physician ($359,500), Neurologist ($352,680), Emergency Medicine Physician ($341,960), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Food Server, Nonrestaurant salary report

Related salaries

Cook, Private Household

$47,940
median pay · 1,000 employed

Cook, All Other

$37,690
median pay · 19,000 employed

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

$37,450
median pay · 441,000 employed

Dishwasher

$34,810
median pay · 477,000 employed

Cook, Fast Food

$30,890
median pay · 641,000 employed

Cook, Short Order

$35,880
median pay · 139,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.