Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
Food servers in nonrestaurant settings deliver meals and beverages to people in their rooms or locations outside traditional restaurants. They work in hotels, hospitals, residential care facilities, airlines, and similar environments. The role involves preparing food for service, delivering it to individuals, and clearing dishes afterward.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food servers, nonrestaurant and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves checking meal orders, preparing trays with appropriate dishes and utensils, and delivering food to assigned rooms or locations. Servers note dietary restrictions and special requests, ensure food is at the correct temperature, and set up dining areas. They clear finished plates, restock supplies, and may assist guests with eating if needed. Work schedules often follow facility meal times and can include early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Who this work suits
Holland code RSC. 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 do well in this work if you're comfortable with hands-on tasks and practical problem-solving. You enjoy interacting with people one-on-one, responding to their needs, and providing direct service that makes a visible difference in their day.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $35,660 | $39,370 | $48,740 | 17,520 |
| California | $36,650 | $39,010 | $46,900 | 32,430 |
| Colorado | $35,990 | $38,900 | $45,850 | 7,750 |
| Washington | $36,760 | $38,870 | $45,790 | 8,050 |
| Alaska | $31,760 | $38,090 | $45,840 | 430 |
| District of Columbia | $37,220 | $37,920 | $44,350 | 1,260 |
| Hawaii | $33,990 | $37,920 | $58,090 | 880 |
| Maine | $34,710 | $37,680 | $41,310 | 540 |
| Vermont | $36,100 | $37,540 | $46,410 | 780 |
| North Dakota | $34,460 | $36,910 | $38,310 | 1,630 |
| Massachusetts | $35,110 | $36,750 | $38,260 | 5,830 |
| New Hampshire | $31,180 | $36,710 | $39,590 | 1,770 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC) — Society of Wine Educators
- Certified Breakfast Attendant (CBA) — American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute
- NAMA Certified Executive (NCE) — 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 food servers, nonrestaurant and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-3041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.