How to become waiters and waitresseseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Food Service Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$35,230

25th–75th pct. $27,750–$47,110

Top pay (est.)

$84,100

Top 10% $64,720

Pay in 5 years

$41,100est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$48,000est.

$41,300–$55,700

Outlook score

50/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

18%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.0%

423K openings / yr

How to become waiters and waitresses

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Waiters and Waitresses

Key skills

Service Orientation

3.0

Critical Thinking

2.9

Monitoring

2.6

Coordination

2.6

Speaking

2.6

Active Listening

2.5

Social Perceptiveness

2.5

Persuasion

2.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

4.1

English Language

3.1

Sales and Marketing

2.8

Computers and Electronics

2.7

Psychology

2.5

Education and Training

2.3

Food Production

2.2

Mathematics

2.1

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicHandling and Moving ObjectsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleAssisting and Caring for Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionProblem SensitivityNear VisionSpeech ClarityTrunk Strength

Education of workers

High school diploma

58%

Less than high school

32%

Post-secondary certificate

Some college

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

63%

1–3 months

19%

None / short demo

16%

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

56%

1–3 months

28%

3–6 months

10%

6–12 months

1–2 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as waiters and waitresses

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Fast Food and Counter Workers Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages.	$31,200	57/100	30%
2	Cooks, Restaurant Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants.	$37,390	65/100	19%
3	First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.	$44,080	60/100	30%
4	Food Preparation Workers Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.	$35,320	42/100	30%
5	Bartenders Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.	$34,340	58/100	20%
6	Cooks, Fast Food Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu.	$30,890	41/100	35%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.