[actuallyalys]

You could easily make $23 an hour as an entry-level server in a diner if you include tips.

I don't think this is true—the median pay for servers is $10 an hour in the U.S. [0] Even servers in areas with unusually high pay barely reach $23 an hour. [1]

With a median personal income in the United States of $31,000 [2], most people make significantly less than $23 an hour.

[0]: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/waiters...

[1]: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes353031.htm Scroll down to "Top paying metropolitan areas for this occupation"

[2]: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MEPAINUSA672N

[pc86]

Keep in mind this is going to be reported income only. When I was waiting tables nobody declared more than half their tips if they declared any at all. In fact a lot of folks just declared whatever amount they need to go to $10 an hour.