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Waiters and Waitresses

General Information

Description

Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.

Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. Private, for profit96.49%
  2. Private, not for profit1.52%
  3. State and local government0.90%
  4. Self-employed0.68%
  5. Federal government0.16%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Hospitality & Tourism

Job Outlook

Employment of waiters and waitresses is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 425,800 openings for waiters and waitresses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Job Outlook

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Employment of waiters and waitresses is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 425,800 openings for waiters and waitresses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Similar Careers

No Information for this section

Salary

Average Salary

Salary

$26,000

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

$36,640
$17,730
No Information for this section

Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 57%
  • Less than high school 28%
  • Bachelor's degree 7%
  • Some college 5%
  • Associate's degree 2%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Psychology
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Food Production

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
No Information for this section

* Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.