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Job Description |
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Job Requirements |
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Significant Points |
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(Abstract from Career Articles) |
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Waiters and Waitresses |
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Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments.
Waiters and waitresses work in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other food-serving and drinking establishments. Work schedules include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. About 1 in 2 worked part time in 2014. During busy hours, they may be under pressure to serve customers quickly and efficiently.
Most waiter and waitress jobs are entry level, and workers learn their skills on the job. No formal education is required.
The median hourly wage for waiters and waitresses was $9.25 in May 2015.
Employment of waiters and waitresses is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities are expected to be very good because of the many workers who leave their jobs each year. Candidates seeking employment at upscale restaurants could face strong competition for jobs.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for waiters and waitresses.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of waiters and waitresses with similar occupations.
Learn more about waiters and waitresses by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. |
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Top Ten Industries |
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U.S. National Figures. |
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Waiters and Waitresses |
Restaurants and Other Eating Places |
2,102,220 |
Traveler Accommodation |
156,740 |
Special Food Services |
74,570 |
Other Amusement and Recreation Industries |
70,640 |
Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) |
63,390 |
Employment Services |
23,290 |
Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly |
14,220 |
Gambling Industries |
11,400 |
Civic and Social Organizations |
10,280 |
Beverage Manufacturing |
10,250 |
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Career Video |
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Related Careers |
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Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop |
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Cashiers |
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Cooks, Fast Food |
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Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food |
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Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers |
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Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop |
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Stock Clerks, Sales Floor |
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Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers |
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Food Servers, Nonrestaurant |
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Food Preparation Workers |
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Salaries |
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Employment by Gender |
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