National Waitstaff Day is on Friday, May 21, 2027, and it falls on May 21 every year. It honors the servers, waiters and waitresses who take our orders, carry our plates and handle our requests with a smile. It’s a good day to be a great customer.
When Is National Waitstaff Day?
It’s May 21. It’s an unofficial appreciation day, and some calendars list other dates for server appreciation.
Who Started National Waitstaff Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Background: who are America’s servers?
There were about 2.3 million waiter and waitress jobs in the U.S. in 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. About 85% were in restaurants and other food and drinking places.
The median pay was $16.94 an hour in May 2025, including tips. Part-time work is common, and shifts often include early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays.
How tipped wages work
Tipped employees must earn at least the federal minimum wage. Depending on the state, that can come from a mix of direct wages and tips, the BLS explains. Some states and cities require higher minimums.
Why Thank Your Server?
Serving is physically demanding, fast-paced work that relies on memory, patience and people skills. Because tips are a large part of many servers’ income, how customers behave makes a real difference.
The day is a reminder to treat servers with respect, every visit. Simple courtesy, like making eye contact and saying please, costs nothing and is often what servers remember most.
How to Celebrate National Waitstaff Day
- Tip fairly: the Emily Post Institute suggests 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down service.
- Tip buffet staff too: Emily Post suggests about 10% for buffet service.
- Tip the bartender: about $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab.
- Be patient on busy nights: slow food is often a kitchen issue, not your server’s fault.
- Say thanks by name: a sincere thank-you makes a long shift better.
- Praise them to a manager: good feedback can help a server’s job and schedule.
- Leave a great review: mention your server by name online.
- Stack plates kindly: small gestures like keeping the table tidy help, but don’t make extra work.
- Don’t camp too long: on a busy night, lingering at a table after paying can cost your server another party’s tip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
For sit-down service, 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard etiquette, according to the Emily Post Institute.
Should I tip on takeout?
It’s not required. Emily Post suggests 10% for extra service, like curbside delivery or a large, complicated order.
What is the tipped minimum wage?
Employers can count tips toward the federal minimum wage, but servers must still earn at least the minimum in total. Many states set higher rules.