Waiters and Waitresses
Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.
SOC: 35-3031.00
Common Job Titles
- Food Server
- Server
- Waiter
- Waitress
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- MindsetRespond to patron needs and preferences in fast-paced dining environments, maintaining attentiveness to multiple tables simultaneously.Developing
- KnowledgeApply customer service principles and food production knowledge when taking orders and addressing patron inquiries about menu items and ingredients.Developing
- Hands-onHandle food service items, beverages, and dining equipment efficiently while navigating crowded dining areas during peak service hours.Developing
- MindsetEngage with diverse patrons in establishing rapport and positive dining experiences, demonstrating social perceptiveness and cultural sensitivity.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze patron cues and dining situations to anticipate needs, resolve conflicts, and make service decisions independently.Developing
- Hands-onOperate point-of-sale systems and credit card processing equipment, accurately handling transactions and processing payments under time constraints.Developing
- KnowledgeApply sales and persuasion techniques when recommending menu items, specials, and beverages to enhance patron satisfaction and increase sales.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate time management and coordination skills, organizing service priorities across multiple tables while collaborating with kitchen and support staff.Developing
- MindsetRespond to patron complaints and special requests, negotiating solutions and maintaining composure during high-pressure service situations.Developing
- KnowledgeApply basic mathematics and English language skills, calculating bills, processing tips, and communicating clearly with patrons and team members.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Waiters and Waitresses (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
2,302,690
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $18,500. 25th percentile: U.S. $25,690. 50th percentile: U.S. $33,760. 75th percentile: U.S. $45,350. 90th percentile: U.S. $62,510. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $18,500 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $62,510 |
| Workers on average earn | $38,360 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Sales and Marketing3.5/5
- Food Production3.3/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Technology Skills
- Blink
- Compris Advanced Manager's Workstation
- Compris software
- Hospitality Control Solutions Aloha Point-of-Sale
- Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale
- MICROS Systems HSI Profits Series
- NCR Advanced Checkout Solution
- NCR NeighborhoodPOS
Tools & Equipment
- Alphanumeric paging equipment
- Carving knives
- Cash registers
- Credit card processing machines
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Point of sale POS printers
- Point of sale POS terminals
- Point of service workstations