- Median annual pay
- $32,670
- Employment
- 527,400
- Ten-year outlook
- +6.3%
- Annual openings
- 99,600
BLS, 2024
U.S., 2024
2024–34
Projected average
The work
Core tasks
- 01Run cash registers.
- 02Serve ice water, coffee, rolls, or butter to patrons.
- 03Scrape and stack dirty dishes and carry dishes and other tableware to kitchens for cleaning.
- 04Wipe tables or seats with dampened cloths or replace dirty tablecloths.
- 05Set tables with clean linens, condiments, or other supplies.
- 06Greet and seat customers.
- 07Clean up spilled food or drink or broken dishes and remove empty bottles and trash.
- 08Maintain adequate supplies of items, such as clean linens, silverware, glassware, dishes, or trays.
- 09Locate items requested by customers.
- 10Fill beverage or ice dispensers.
- 11Carry food, dishes, trays, or silverware from kitchens or supply departments to serving counters.
- 12Perform serving, cleaning, or stocking duties in establishments, such as cafeterias or dining rooms, to facilitate customer service.
Capabilities
Essential skills
Active ListeningSpeakingMonitoringCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive LearningWritingLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience
Employment outlook
Where the role is heading
U.S. employment is projected to move from 527,400 in 2024 to 560,600 in 2034, a +6.3% change.
BLS projects an average of 99,600 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.