Waiter/Waitress

Your Fit

Income

$34K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-3.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Waiter/Waitress?

Waiters and waitresses are responsible for taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring a satisfying dining experience for customers in a variety of food service settings. They are crucial in facilitating a smooth and enjoyable dining environment through attentive service and customer interaction.

Sample job titles:

Food Server, Server, Waiter, Waitress

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Waiter/Waitress.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Waiter/Waitress earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$18K per year	$26K per year	$34K per year	$45K per year	$62K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $16K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Waiter/Waitress do?

Work environment

Waiters and waitresses typically work in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other dining establishments. The environment is fast-paced and customer-focused. Shifts may vary, often including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The role requires being on one's feet for extended periods and may involve carrying heavy trays or plates.

Quick task list

Greets customers and presents menus.
Takes food and drink orders accurately.
Serves food and beverages to customers.
Prepares itemized checks and processes payments.
Maintains cleanliness in the dining area and sets tables.
Assists with customer inquiries and dietary requests.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Fine Dining Service: Specializing in high-end restaurant service with a focus on formal etiquette and extensive menu knowledge.
Casual Dining Service: Providing service in a more relaxed and informal setting.
Bar Service: Specializing in serving drinks and bar-related food items.
Room Service: Delivering food and beverage services to guests in hotels or resorts.
Catering Service: Specializing in event-based service for banquets, weddings, and other functions.

Description

Working as a waiter or waitress requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as the job revolves around customer interaction. They must be attentive, responsive, and capable of multitasking, managing multiple tables and orders simultaneously. Knowledge of menu items, ingredients, and preparation methods is also important, especially for addressing customer inquiries and handling special dietary requests.

This occupation offers a flexible work schedule, making it a popular choice for those seeking part-time or seasonal employment. It can be an excellent opportunity to develop customer service, time management, and multitasking skills, which are valuable in many career paths. Waiters and waitresses often work as part of a team, collaborating with kitchen staff and other restaurant employees to ensure a high-quality dining experience.

The role can be physically demanding and sometimes stressful, especially during peak dining times. However, it can be highly rewarding for those who enjoy interacting with people and thrive in a dynamic, social environment. Many find satisfaction in providing excellent service and contributing to memorable dining experiences for customers.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Building rapport and positive interactions with customers.
Working in a dynamic and social environment.
Receiving tips for good service, in addition to a base salary.

You might make a good Waiter/Waitress if you are...

Outgoing and enjoy interacting with a variety of people.
Able to multitask and manage time effectively.
Detail-oriented, ensuring orders are accurate and service is prompt.
A team player who can work collaboratively with kitchen and service staff.
Interested in food service and hospitality.

Pros:

Flexible scheduling suitable for part-time or seasonal work.
Opportunities to earn tips in addition to wages.
A pathway to other roles in hospitality and customer service.

Cons:

Physically demanding with long hours on your feet.
Can be high-pressure during busy dining periods.
Income can fluctuate due to reliance on tips in some settings.

How to become a Waiter/Waitress

Typical education

There is usually no formal education requirement beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Most training is done on the job, and skills in customer service and food handling are often developed through experience.

High school preparation

Courses:

Home Economics or Culinary Arts for basic food knowledge.
Drama or Speech for developing communication skills.
Business Studies for understanding customer service principles.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Part-time jobs or internships in restaurants or cafes.
Volunteering at community events, especially in catering or hospitality roles.
Joining clubs focused on public speaking or customer interaction.

Preparation after high school

Short courses in hospitality or customer service.
On-the-job training in various dining settings to gain diverse experience.
Attending workshops or seminars on food safety and beverage service.

More resources

National Restaurant Association - Provides resources and information about careers in the restaurant industry.
Hospitality Net - Offers industry news and articles related to hospitality and service.
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute - Offers training and certification programs in hospitality.
Waiter Wallet - A resource for tools and tips to improve service skills and efficiency.

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