The hospitality industry is great for anyone who wants a job that pays well but is relatively easy. In fact, we think hospitality has the best easy jobs that pay well out of any industry!
The barrier to entry is low since many establishments only require a high school diploma, and with tips and bonuses, you can earn a hefty salary. Here are some easy fun jobs that pay well in hospitality.
What Are Some Easy Jobs That Pay Well?
There are several types of jobs at a restaurant that pay well and are relatively low-effort. To help you out, we’ve divided them into a few different categories so that everyone can find what they’re looking for.
Entry-Level Positions That Pay Well
Entry-level positions like Busser, Food Runner and Host/Hostess are often categorized as easy jobs that pay well without experience. These roles provide an excellent opportunity for you to start your career in the field, even without extensive prior experience.
While they may not require specialized skills, these jobs still demand dedication and a strong work ethic. A lot of these entry-level roles are flexible restaurant jobs that you can do part-time. These are easy first jobs that almost anyone can get into.
Mid-Level Positions That Pay Well
More advanced positions like Cook, Barback, Bartender and Sommelier are good paying restaurant jobs that also demand a combination of experience and formal education.
These roles involve greater responsibility, leadership and specialized skills, as well as a deeper understanding of the restaurant’s operations. Despite that though, they are some of the most sought-after jobs at a restaurant.
Managerial Positions That Pay Well
Managerial positions like Hotel Manager, Restaurant Manager or Head Chef are some of the best paying restaurant jobs. These roles necessitate leadership skills, organizational prowess and the ability to oversee and guide teams.
It’s worth noting that the “ease” of a job can vary depending on personal preferences and strengths. Some individuals may find interacting with customers in a serving role to be effortless, while others might feel more comfortable working behind the scenes in a kitchen setting.
Best Paying Careers in the Restaurant Industry
Now that we have explored a few different positions and listed a few job openings for each of them let’s take a closer look at what these roles entail. We’ll also include links to job pages for open positions in Miami and NYC for each of them.
1. Host/Hostess
A Host or Hostess is often the first point of contact for guests as they enter the restaurant. They contribute to creating a positive first impression for customers and play a key role in setting the tone for the dining experience.
The main responsibilities of a Host or Hostess involve greeting and seating guests, managing reservations and ensuring a smooth flow of guests in the dining area.
These are easy jobs that pay well for college students since they have very minimal requirements.
- Well-paying Host/Hostess jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Host/Hostess jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Host/Hostess jobs in New York City
2. Busser
Bussers are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the dining area. Their tasks include clearing and resetting tables, cleaning spills and ensuring that each table is properly stocked with clean utensils and napkins.
Bussers work closely with Servers to support the smooth flow of service, removing used dishes and glasses to keep tables ready for new guests. Again, these are fun and easy jobs that pay well with no experience necessary.
- Well-paying Busser jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Busser jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Busser jobs in New York City
3. Food Runner
Food Runners are integral to the process of delivering dishes from the kitchen to the dining area. This role requires close coordination with both the kitchen and the waitstaff. Food runners ensure that each dish is correctly prepared, plated and presented before swiftly delivering it to the appropriate table.
Attention to detail is crucial to avoid mix-ups and ensure that each guest receives their order accurately. Bussers are easy jobs in the food industry that pay well.
- Well-paying Food Runner jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Food Runner jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Food Runner jobs in New York City
4. Dishwasher
Although far away from the spotlight, dishwashers are vital to the smooth operation of a restaurant. They ensure that dishes, utensils and kitchen equipment are clean and ready for use.
Dishwashers can either use commercial dishwashing equipment to wash items, or they might be required to do it by hand. This job isn’t difficult at all, despite its somewhat physically demanding nature. If you’re okay with working on your feet most of your shift, it isn’t too hard.
If you’re looking for jobs that are easy in the restaurant industry, they don’t get much easier than working as a Dishwasher.
- Well-paying Dishwasher jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Dishwasher jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Dishwasher jobs in New York City
5. Cashier
Cashiers play a vital role in front-of-house operations, particularly in quick-service restaurants, cafes and similar establishments. As customers place their orders, Cashiers process payments, handle transactions and provide accurate receipts.
They might operate cash registers or point-of-sale systems to ensure that each order is correctly charged. Beyond financial transactions, cashiers often interact with customers directly, taking their orders and addressing any inquiries they may have.
These are easy sales jobs that pay well and you can transfer over the experience you gain as a Cashier in other managerial roles further down the line in your career.
- Well-paying Cashier jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Cashier jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Cashier jobs in New York City
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6. Cook
Cooks prepare and cook food in various settings like restaurants and hotels. They follow recipes, measure and mix ingredients, and use different cooking techniques to create dishes.
Cooks are responsible for ensuring food safety and cleanliness, maintaining kitchen equipment, and managing inventory. They also collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure timely and quality food service.
If you’re looking at food service jobs that pay well, you should definitely consider getting a job as a Cook, especially since you can climb up the restaurant hierarchy and become a Chef quite easily once you gain enough experience.
- Well-paying Cook jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Cook jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Cook jobs in New York City
7. Bartender
Bartenders mix and serve drinks to patrons in bars and restaurants. They prepare alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages based on standard recipes or customer requests.
Bartenders need to maintain a clean and organized bar at all times, manage inventory and restock supplies. They also handle cash transactions and check customer identification to verify age. You need to be a certain age to work as a Bartender, which varies from state to state. You can see how to become a Bartender with our detailed guide.
Even though this isn’t one of the restaurant entry level jobs like the ones above, it’s still not that difficult to become a Bartender, provided you’re old enough and you get your bartending license. When applying for a Bartender position, we have Bartender resume templates you can copy and tweak to your liking.
- Well-paying Bartender jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Bartender jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Bartender jobs in New York City
8. Barback
A Barback plays a pivotal role in supporting Bartenders and ensuring the bar area operates smoothly. Barbacks are responsible for restocking the bar with liquor, mixers, garnishes and other supplies. They keep the bar clean and organized, wash glassware, and replace empty containers.
This role requires physical stamina, as Barbacks often need to lift heavy crates and kegs. However, it’s a good position in a restaurant for those interested in eventually becoming a Bartender, as it provides a valuable opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the bar environment.
- Well-paying Barback jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Barback jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Barback jobs in New York City
9. Sommelier
Sommeliers are wine experts who typically work in fine dining restaurants. Their job is to help customers choose wines that complement their meals.
They have extensive knowledge of different wine varieties, regions and pairing techniques. Their goal is to enhance the dining experience by offering personalized wine recommendations and ensuring guests enjoy the perfect wine with their meals.
Sommelier jobs are easy jobs that pay well with a degree since you do need to have some knowledge before you get hired as one. Luckily, we have a complete how to become a Sommelier guide that lists the best courses and certifications needed for this role.
- Well-paying Sommelier jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Sommelier jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Sommelier jobs in New York City
10. Head Chef
A Head Chef oversees the entire kitchen operation in a restaurant or hotel. They are responsible for creating menus, developing recipes and ensuring the quality of all dishes.
Even though this job isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination, it’s extremely well compensated, and most people in this position love what they do, making it “relatively easy” for them. If you want high paying restaurant jobs, they don’t come much higher than the Head Chef role.
- Well-paying Head Chef jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Head Chef jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Head Chef jobs in New York City
11. Restaurant Manager
A Restaurant Manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant to ensure patrons get excellent service and every member of staff knows their role and responsibilities.
They are responsible for hiring and training staff, creating work schedules and maintaining high standards of customer service. The Restaurant Manager handles inventory, orders supplies and manages the restaurant’s budget.
If you want a high salary, this is one of the best food service jobs that pay well in the United States.
- Well-paying Restaurant Manager jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Restaurant Manager jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Restaurant Manager jobs in New York City
12. Hotel Manager
The Hotel Manager is responsible for maintaining smooth and uninterrupted operations in every department of the hotel. The Hotel Manager handles budgeting, financial reporting and cost control.
In addition, they address guest complaints, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and develop strategies to improve services and occupancy rates. Their goal is to provide a welcoming and efficient environment for guests while maximizing the hotel’s profitability.
Being a Hotel Manager is one of the ultimate food industry careers since the salary is high and most people in this role are typically satisfied with their duties and daily tasks.
- Well-paying Hotel Manager jobs in the U.S.
- Well-paying Hotel Manager jobs in Miami
- Well-paying Hotel Manager jobs in New York City
Discover salary trends and job opportunities:
Easy Jobs That Pay Well FAQs
The easiest way to find a job is by browsing OysterLink and one of the many job openings listed on our platform.
Most restaurants have a front-of-house and back-of-house team. If you’re wondering what are the positions in a restaurant, we’ve listed them below.
Front-of-house staff would include:
- Host/Hostess
- Waiter/Waitress
- Bartender
- Server
- Food Runner
- Sommelier
- Busser
Meanwhile, back-of-house includes but is not limited to:
- Chef
- Cook
- Baker
- Line Cook
- Prep Cook
- Dishwasher
Most jobs in the restaurant industry are relatively easy and pay well, especially if you take tips and bonuses into consideration. This includes Waiters and Waitresses and Fine Dining Servers, who typically earn high tips.
This is entirely subjective, but most people would agree being a Restaurant Manager is the hardest since you have so much resting on your shoulders.
This depends on the position you’re interested in. Entry-level jobs like Waiter/Waitress and Barback only require a high school diploma and nothing else. Some better-paying positions like Chef might require culinary education or several years of experience.
Again, this depends on each role. Front-of-house roles like Host/Hostess require excellent customer service and communication skills. Back-of-house roles like Line Cook require culinary experience or willingness to learn on the job.
Based on job postings available on our platform, larger chains typically offer higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits. This includes resorts and hotels like Four Seasons and Hilton.
You can use our Miami jobs page and our NYC jobs page to browse well-paying jobs near you.
