The servers are making much less bc they are living off of tips more than an actual salary. The salary is basically just to offset the taxes the state will be taking from their checks (which is nice, so you dont have to give money back, from your tips, you basically break even - like your check will say "void non-negotiable"). So keep in mind, the servers are living off of tips, but the cooks are not so dont consider their wages when trying to figure out your own - they are very different pay scales (like someone who gets paid commission like a car salesman, compared to a manager who makes X salary no matter what his performance is). They are living off of the hourly wage. Yes, of course it will very by location (state), chain (what restaurant), and your experience, but Id expect it to be around 8 - 10 off the top of my head. Some other things to consider...the menu prices can be (not always, but CAN be) an indicator to the hourly wages paid to employees. Youre likely to make a higher wage at Mortons as a Grill guy then you are at Taco Bell - why? Because you need to be better at what you do, theres less room for error, a mistake will cost the company money and customers so they are willing to pay you more if youre good at what you do, additionally, they have more to spend overall bc they are making more. So if the menu items are highly priced, you may be able to do better by working there. A couple more things, you can certainly call and ask - just dont give your name (or make one up...say,"hello my name is Bob and Im wondering if you are currently hiring kitchen staff, and if so what the average hourly wage is, thanks") - and lastly, you can log on to salary.com, enter in your state and occupation and youll get an average salary considering your skill level, experience, etc.
Good Luck!!
