Waiter/Waitress Jobs – November 2024 Job Listings
We’ve gathered some of the top Waiter/Waitress jobs in the U.S., along with information on the requirements, salaries and benefits
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Top 10 Waiter/Waitress Jobs in the US (Hiring Now!)
From bustling urban eateries to cozy neighborhood joints, stepping into the role of a Waiter or a Waitress offers a dynamic and fulfilling career path.
Here’s a rundown of the top 10 high-paying waiting jobs available across the United States:
Server – Cast Member
Catering Server-Minute Maid Park
Catering Servers & Cooks
Server Gelato Artist
Room Service Server (AM Shifts – Full Time) – InterContinental Houston
Server job
Banquet Waitstaff
Wait Staff
Lounge Server
Server job
How Many Waiters and Waitresses Are Currently Employed in the US?
There are currently 2,579,020 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In the chart below, you’ll see which industries employ the highest numbers of these workers.
[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
How Much Can You Earn from Waiter/Waitress Jobs?
The average wage for a Waiter or Waitress in the United States is $17.56, according to BLS. This translates into a yearly salary of $36,530 base plus tips per year.
Tips make a significant part of a Waiter or Waitress’s income. However, those can vary based on the type of establishment, location and service quality. In the U.S., it’s common to tip 15% to 20% of the total bill.
Waiter/Waitress Job FAQs
To excel as a Waiter or a Waitress, you need to possess the following skills:
- Excellent communication skills for interacting with customers and colleagues
- Strong multitasking abilities to handle multiple tables and orders simultaneously
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle unexpected situations calmly
- Excellent customer service skills to ensure guest satisfaction and resolve any issues promptly
- Knowledge of menu items and ingredients
- Ability to use POS systems for order entry and payment processing
- Understanding of food safety and hygiene protocols
- Ability to efficiently manage time and prioritize tasks
The minimum age requirement to work as a Waiter or a Waitress varies depending on local labor laws and regulations. In many places, individuals can start working in food service roles, including Waiter/Waitress positions, at around 16 years old.
To pass a Waiter/Waitress interview, it’s essential to showcase your customer service skills, communication abilities and enthusiasm for the role.
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in the hospitality industry, answer situational interview questions about handling challenging customers or multitasking and demonstrate your knowledge of food and beverage service.
New Waiters and Waitresses typically receive comprehensive training to prepare them for their role. This training often includes:
- Familiarization with the restaurant’s menu items, ingredients and preparation methods
- Instruction on using POS systems for order entry and payment processing
- Guidance on customer service etiquette, including greeting guests, taking orders accurately and addressing customer concerns
- Training on handling various types of food and beverages, including carrying trays and serving techniques
- Education on food safety and hygiene protocols to ensure compliance with health regulations
- Role-playing scenarios to practice handling common situations encountered in the restaurant environment
How We Picked the Top 10 Waiter/Waitress Jobs in the US
We have selected the top 10 Waiter/Waitress jobs in the U.S. based on the following criteria:
- Competitive pay: The jobs on our list offer hourly wages well above the national average.
- Comprehensive benefits: We chose positions that provide extensive benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) plans, paid time off and flexible scheduling.
- Reputable employers: We focused on jobs with reputable employers, known for being trustworthy and stable.
