Server Assistant

Your Fit

Income

$33K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

4.2%

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

What is a Server Assistant?

A Server Assistant, also known as a busser or dining room attendant, supports the waitstaff in restaurants by setting tables, clearing dishes, and ensuring a clean and orderly dining environment. This role is pivotal in maintaining an efficient flow in the restaurant's service.

Sample job titles:

Barback, Bus Boy, Bus Person, Busser

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Server Assistant.

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 Server Assistant 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%
$22K per year	$28K per year	$33K per year	$37K per year	$46K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $17K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Server Assistant do?

Work environment

Server Assistants work in the dining areas of various food service establishments, including restaurants, cafes, and banquet halls. The environment is fast-paced, requiring constant movement around the dining area. Shifts may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, in line with the restaurant's operating hours.

Quick task list

Clears and resets tables promptly after guests leave.
Assists with table service, such as refilling water and bread baskets.
Helps to maintain the cleanliness of the dining area and service stations.
Assists in setting up the dining room before service and cleaning up afterwards.
Supports waitstaff with various tasks to ensure efficient service.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Fine Dining Assistance: Specializing in high-end dining environments with attention to detailed table settings and etiquette.
Casual Dining Support: Working in a more relaxed dining setting with a focus on quick table turnovers.
Event Service Assistance: Assisting in catering and event services, often at banquet halls or special event venues.
Barback: Assisting bartenders in bars or lounges, managing glassware, and restocking supplies.

Description

A Server Assistant plays a critical role in the functionality of a restaurant's dining service. Their primary duties revolve around preparing the dining area for guests, assisting servers during meal service, and ensuring that the dining environment is clean and presentable at all times. This position requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure, especially during peak dining hours.

While the job can be physically demanding, involving long periods of standing and carrying heavy items, it offers an excellent entry point into the hospitality industry. Server Assistants gain firsthand experience in restaurant operations and customer service, providing a foundational understanding of the dining industry. This role is often a stepping stone to more advanced positions within the food service sector, such as becoming a waiter or waitress.

The position of Server Assistant is suitable for individuals with strong teamwork skills, as they must coordinate closely with waitstaff and kitchen staff. It's also ideal for those looking to develop their customer service skills in a fast-paced environment. The ability to multitask and remain organized during busy service periods is essential.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being part of a team and contributing to a restaurant's success.
The fast-paced nature of the work, which makes shifts pass quickly.
Opportunities to learn about restaurant operations and customer service.

You might make a good Server Assistant if you are...

Energetic and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
A team player who enjoys supporting others.
Organized and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Interested in a career in the hospitality or restaurant industry.
Able to communicate effectively with both staff and guests.

Pros:

A good entry-level position with potential for career growth.
Opportunities to develop customer service and teamwork skills.
Flexible scheduling, often suitable for part-time work.

Cons:

Physically demanding with much time spent standing and moving.
Can be stressful during peak dining hours.
Income may be lower compared to other positions in the restaurant.

How to become a Server Assistant

Typical education

Typically, there are no formal education requirements beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Most training is provided on the job, and no specific schooling is required for entry into this position.

High school preparation

Courses:

Home Economics or Culinary Arts to understand basic food service principles.
Physical Education to maintain physical fitness.
Business or Hospitality courses for understanding service industry dynamics.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Part-time jobs or internships in hospitality or food service.
Volunteering at community events, especially those involving food service.
Participation in team sports or clubs to develop teamwork skills.

Preparation after high school

Short courses or workshops in hospitality, customer service, or food safety.
On-the-job training in various dining settings to gain experience.
Seeking mentorship or guidance from experienced restaurant professionals.

More resources

National Restaurant Association - Offers resources and information about careers in the restaurant industry.
Hospitality Net - Provides news and articles on the hospitality industry, including food service and restaurant operations.
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute - Offers training and certification programs in hospitality.
ServSafe - Provides food safety training and certification, crucial for anyone working in a food service environment.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.