Waiters and Waitresses
Did You Know:*
- Most jobs are part-time and have few educational requirements, attracting many young people to the occupation-21 percent of these workers were 16 to 19 years old in 2008, about six times the proportion for all workers.
- Job openings are expected to be abundant through 2018, which will create excellent opportunities for job seekers.
- Tips comprise a major portion of earnings for servers, so keen competition is expected for jobs in fine dining and more popular restaurants where potential tips are greatest.
Industry Areas
- Full-Service Restaurants
- Traveler Accommodation
- Limited-Service Eating Places
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems.
- Collect payments from customers.
- Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.
Overall Kind of Work*
Food and beverage serving and related workers are the front line of customer service in full-service restaurants, casual dining eateries and other food service establishments. These workers greet ...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Food and beverage service workers are on their feet most of the time and often carry heavy trays of food, dishes and glassware. During busy dining periods, they are under pressure to serve custome...
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 33.37% (0-20 Hours)
- 30.00% (21-34 Hours)
- 13.80% (35-39 Hours)
- 17.98% (40 Hours)
- 2.39% (41-49 Hours)
- 2.46% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Waiters and waitresses (35-3031)
Type of Work
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Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
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Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 96.74% (Private For-Profit)
- 1.75% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 0.72% (State and Local Govt)
- 0.16% (Federal Government)
- 0.63% (Self-Employed)