Austin's food scene continues to boom in 2026. Downtown offers high volume and high earnings ($250-400 per shift) serving business crowds and tourists. The East Side features creative concepts and tight-knit teams with chef-driven menus. South Congress balances locals and visitors with huge brunch business. North Austin provides family dining with more predictable schedules.
What Austin Pays
Servers earn $25-45/hr with tips, bartenders $30-55/hr, line cooks $16-22/hr, sous chefs $50-65k salary, and restaurant managers $55-75k salary. No state income tax means your take-home is higher than comparable cities. The food scene is collaborative, not cutthroat, and tourism demand keeps opportunities strong.