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.