Waiters and Waitresses
Waiters and waitresses take customer orders and serve food and beverages at tables in restaurants, cafes, and other dining establishments. They interact with patrons throughout meals, manage tables, and coordinate with kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely delivery of orders.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against waiters and waitresses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves greeting customers, presenting menus, answering questions about food and drinks, taking orders accurately, and delivering plates and beverages to tables. Waitstaff clear finished dishes, refill drinks, check on customer satisfaction, process payments, and reset tables for new guests. Shifts often include peak service periods requiring quick movement between multiple tables and coordination with other staff members.
Who this work suits
Holland code CSR. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy this work if you're comfortable following established procedures and take satisfaction in helping others. People who do well here tend to be sociable, attentive to details, and able to remain organized while managing multiple customers and tasks simultaneously.
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
Openings right now
- Waiter (Banquets) NA-01 · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Gordon, Georgia · $17.37–$20.26
- Waitstaff · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Mayport, Florida · $18.23–$21.27
- Waiter NA-01 · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Rucker, Alabama · $17.37–$20.26
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $30,090 | $62,390 | $96,010 | 14,090 |
| Vermont | $34,840 | $59,140 | $78,520 | 4,040 |
| Washington | $45,910 | $56,130 | $73,840 | 45,400 |
| Oregon | $35,240 | $48,410 | $63,620 | 23,040 |
| District of Columbia | $36,400 | $47,850 | $78,520 | 11,530 |
| New York | $34,520 | $47,020 | $64,480 | 142,940 |
| New Jersey | $35,710 | $44,960 | $56,410 | 55,800 |
| Colorado | $32,610 | $44,860 | $66,360 | 40,680 |
| Virginia | $32,760 | $44,760 | $56,430 | 59,370 |
| Arizona | $33,850 | $43,950 | $63,020 | 55,950 |
| Maine | $32,860 | $43,370 | $62,910 | 9,090 |
| Massachusetts | $35,290 | $38,460 | $45,700 | 54,670 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- ServSafe Alcohol — National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
- Certified Restaurant Server — American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute
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
and 10 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against waiters and waitresses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-3031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.