Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers support food service operations by maintaining clean, organized dining spaces and service areas. They work in restaurants, cafeterias, bars, and other food service establishments, handling tasks like clearing tables, washing dishes, setting up linens and place settings, and restocking supplies.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves clearing and cleaning tables throughout service periods, loading dirty dishes into washers, and replacing soiled tablecloths and napkins with fresh ones. Attendants restock the service bar with food items, glassware, and silverware based on current needs. They deliver water, coffee, condiments, and other items to patrons and keep dining areas organized and sanitary during busy meal times.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer structured, predictable tasks and work well with clear procedures and standards. You're detail-oriented about cleanliness and organization, comfortable with physical work, and reliable in following established routines in fast-paced food service environments.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $33,340 | $51,200 | $61,520 | 4,380 |
| Washington | $36,390 | $41,420 | $48,620 | 6,160 |
| District of Columbia | $36,670 | $39,080 | $48,200 | 4,130 |
| Maine | $33,360 | $38,560 | $50,220 | 1,540 |
| Maryland | $34,120 | $37,020 | $39,370 | 13,240 |
| Oregon | $34,080 | $36,800 | $40,190 | 3,910 |
| Colorado | $32,140 | $36,790 | $46,900 | 8,460 |
| New York | $34,060 | $36,740 | $46,330 | 41,340 |
| Arizona | $32,050 | $36,500 | $41,880 | 13,300 |
| California | $34,820 | $36,010 | $39,930 | 75,460 |
| Massachusetts | $32,100 | $35,380 | $45,520 | 11,510 |
| Connecticut | $34,010 | $34,540 | $36,490 | 5,810 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- ServSafe Alcohol — National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
- Certified Coffee Specialist (CCS) — National Automatic Merchandising Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-9011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.