Waiter vs game developer: which pays more reliably in the USA?
Both game development and waiting tables are popular, in-demand lines of work in the USA. Hospitality always has room for a responsible, personable employee. And the technology industry does not stand still either: game development is growing fast and demand for developers will only rise. Which career gives you a more stable income — programming, which requires study, or service work, where the tips can be good?
The upsides and downsides of waiting tables in the USA
Restaurants always need capable staff, particularly in tourist areas and large cities. A waiter in the USA can have flexible hours, which is a real advantage for anyone holding down several jobs or needing extra income. Waiting tables is also a common choice for young people with no work experience — hospitality builds communication skills and resilience under pressure.
We will come to the money shortly. First, the drawbacks:
- You are on your feet. There is fast movement, lifting and other physical effort, and that is before you get to the rush.
- Irregular hours. Often evenings and nights, holidays and weekends.
- Psychological strain. Close contact with people has its costs. Be ready for unhappy customers and a tense atmosphere in the restaurant.
Tips genuinely can make up the bulk of the earnings. But that income is unstable: there are days when custom is thin or guests arrive in a bad mood.
What a waiter earns in the USA
The minimum rate is $2.50–10 an hour. In more prosperous states and large cities the average rate can be $15 an hour. But the tips have to be counted too. At budget cafes the hourly take is around $15; at high-end restaurants, upwards of $30.
The average annual income at a small cafe therefore comes to about $30,000. At a premium restaurant, upwards of $70,000 a year.
What makes game development appealing
Working in the games industry gives you:
- a way to express yourself creatively;
- good career prospects;
- a choice of specialisms;
- flexible hours and remote work;
- decent pay.
Pay is another advantage. In the USA a game developer earns $60,000–$120,000 a year. A junior can expect $50,000–$70,000 — roughly what a waiter at a premium restaurant makes. But with experience a junior becomes a mid-level developer earning $80,000–$100,000 a year.
Game development is considerably more attractive on pay, on prospects and on working conditions. Finish a specialist course and you can start looking for work: there are plenty of vacancies in the USA even for people starting out.
Frequently asked questions
What does a game developer with more than five years of experience earn?
A senior game developer in the USA can earn at least $120,000 a year.
Do you need a relevant degree to work as a game developer?
No. A course is enough to reach a junior position.
Can you wait tables while studying game development?
Of course.
Can game development be done remotely?
Yes.
How long does it take to learn game development?
At PASV the course runs for four months.
