Waiters and waitresses
SOC Code: 35-3031Also known as:
Banquet Server, Banquet Waiter, Banquet Waitress, Bar Waiter, Bar Waitress
Median Annual Salary
$33,760
-0.7% growth (2024-2034)
457K
Openings/Year
2.3M
Current Jobs
What Waiters and waitresses Do
Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.
💰 Salary
$33,760
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.7%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
457K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
2,329,700
Projected Employment (2034)
2,313,500
Related Careers
Bartenders
$33,530 •
+5.9% growth
Fast food and counter workers
$30,480 •
+6.1% growth
Food servers, nonrestaurant
$34,460 •
+3.0% growth
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
$32,670 •
+6.3% growth
Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop
$30,380 •
-1.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Service Orientation
Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Collect payments from customers.
- Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.
- Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems.
- Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.
- Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes.
- Remove dishes and glasses from tables or counters, and take them to kitchen for cleaning.
- Clean tables or counters after patrons have finished dining.
- Serve food or beverages to patrons, and prepare or serve specialty dishes at tables as required.
- Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet, tidying up server station, taking out trash, or checking and cleaning bathroom.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do waiters and waitresses make?
The median annual salary for waiters and waitresses is $33,760.
What education do waiters and waitresses need?
Most waiters and waitresses positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming waiters and waitresses a good career choice?
Waiters and waitresses is projected to see -0.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 456,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for waiters and waitresses?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to waiters and waitresses?
Waiters and waitresses may also be known as: Banquet Server, Banquet Waiter, Banquet Waitress, Bar Waiter, Bar Waitress, Buffet Waiter, Buffet Waitress, Busser, Carhop, Club Waiter, Club Waitress, Cocktail Server, Cocktail Waitress, Deck Steward, Dining Car Server, Dining Car Waiter, Dining Car Waitress, Food Runner, Food Server, Formal Waiter.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.