Pros and Cons of Being a Backwaiter

A Backwaiter, also known as a Server Assistant, plays a crucial role in restaurant service by supporting waitstaff, clearing tables, refilling drinks, and ensuring smooth dining experiences for guests.

While not as visible as Servers, Backwaiters are essential in maintaining efficiency, cleanliness, and high-quality service in fine dining and busy restaurants.

If you’re considering a career in restaurant service, hospitality, or fine dining, understanding the pros and cons of being a Backwaiter can help you determine if this role aligns with your career goals.

Pros of Being a Backwaiter

Below, we’ll explore the key benefits of working as a Backwaiter, including job accessibility, teamwork, and career growth opportunities.

1. Entry-Level Position with Minimal Experience Required

Most restaurants do not require prior experience for Backwaiter positions, making it an excellent way to enter the hospitality industry. This job is ideal for:

• High school or college students looking for part-time work
• Individuals seeking their first restaurant job
• People wanting to gain experience before becoming a Server or Bartender

Many fine-dining establishments train Backwaiters on the job, so it’s a great way to learn restaurant service basics without formal education.

2. Great Stepping Stone to Higher Positions

Backwaiters gain valuable front-of-house experience, which can lead to promotions in:

• Server (Waiter/Waitress) – taking customer orders and earning higher tips
• Bartender – mixing and serving drinks, often with higher wages
• Sommelier – for those interested in wine and beverage service
• Restaurant Management – for those wanting to oversee service operations

For those interested in long-term hospitality careers, starting as a Backwaiter provides foundational experience that opens doors to higher-paying roles.

3. Team-Oriented Work Environment

Backwaiters work closely with:

• Servers and Bartenders to ensure smooth service
• Kitchen staff to deliver food quickly and accurately
• Management to maintain guest satisfaction

This team-based role helps develop communication skills, multitasking abilities, and efficiency under pressure, which are valuable in any hospitality job.

4. Earn Tips and Potentially Increase Income Over Time

While Backwaiters don’t usually receive direct tips from customers, they often receive a percentage of the server’s tips (known as “tip-outs”). Depending on the restaurant and its tipping structure, this can add $50–$150 extra per shift in high-end establishments.

In fine dining restaurants, tip-outs can be substantial, making this role financially rewarding despite being an entry-level position.

5. Develops Strong Customer Service and Hospitality Skills

Backwaiters learn the fundamentals of hospitality, including:

• Guest interaction and etiquette
• Proper table setting and serving techniques
• How to anticipate customer needs before being asked

These skills are highly transferable to future jobs in luxury hotels, event planning, catering, and high-end dining.

6. Physically Active Work (No Sitting at a Desk)

For those who dislike desk jobs, being a Backwaiter offers constant movement and activity. Daily tasks include:

• Carrying trays and clearing tables
• Refilling drinks and assisting with service
• Running food from the kitchen to tables

This fast-paced role keeps you engaged and active, making it ideal for people who enjoy hands-on work.

See also: Backwaiter Interview Questions

Cons of Being a Backwaiter

While this role offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges, such as low starting pay, physically demanding work, and limited direct customer interaction.

1. Physically Demanding and Fast-Paced

Backwaiters are constantly on their feet, performing tasks such as:

• Lifting heavy trays of food and drinks
• Clearing and resetting tables multiple times per shift
• Walking long distances in large restaurants

For those not used to physical labor, this job can be exhausting, especially during long shifts or busy dinner rushes.

2. Low Starting Pay Compared to Servers

Backwaiters typically earn minimum wage or slightly above, with lower tip-outs than Servers. The earning potential is lower compared to:

• Waiters (who get full tips)
• Bartenders (who receive higher tip percentages)

However, with experience and promotions, pay increases as Backwaiters move into Server roles.

3. Limited Direct Customer Interaction

Unlike Servers, Backwaiters have minimal guest engagement, mainly focusing on:

• Clearing tables and refilling drinks
• Bringing food to tables without directly taking orders
• Supporting the Server rather than leading service

For those who enjoy customer service and building relationships with guests, this role may feel less engaging.

4. Can Be Repetitive Work

Backwaiters often perform the same tasks repeatedly, including:

• Wiping down tables and resetting silverware
• Carrying dishes back and forth between tables and the kitchen
• Refilling water glasses and condiments

For those who prefer variety in their work, the repetitive nature of the job may feel monotonous over time.

5. Requires Late Nights, Weekends, and Holiday Work

Since restaurants are busiest during evenings, weekends, and holidays, Backwaiters often:

• Work late-night shifts, sometimes past midnight
• Miss out on weekend plans or holiday gatherings
• Have unpredictable scheduling, depending on restaurant traffic

For those seeking a traditional 9-to-5 job, the irregular work hours can be a drawback.

6. Higher Expectations in Fine Dining Establishments

While casual restaurants have relaxed service expectations, fine dining restaurants expect:

• Flawless table service and polished presentation
• Knowledge of wine pairings, menu details, and luxury dining etiquette
• Professional demeanor and strict attention to detail

For those new to the industry, adjusting to these high standards can be stressful.

Is Being a Backwaiter Worth It?

Becoming a Backwaiter is a great career choice for those who:

• Want to gain experience in the hospitality industry
• Enjoy teamwork and working in a fast-paced environment
• Plan to move up to a Server, Bartender, or Restaurant Manager role

However, the role requires physical endurance, patience, and a willingness to start at a lower pay level. If you prefer direct guest interaction or higher wages from the start, working as a Host, Bartender, or Server may be a better fit.

For individuals looking for a stepping stone into high-end restaurants or hospitality careers, being a Backwaiter is an excellent entry-level position with strong career growth potential.

Key Takeaways

When considering whether to become a Backwaiter, keep these factors in mind:

• Entry-level position, requiring little to no experience
• Lower pay than Servers, but tip-outs can boost earnings
• Physically demanding and fast-paced, requiring stamina and endurance
• Strong career growth opportunities, leading to Server, Bartender, or Manager roles
• Limited customer interaction, with most responsibilities supporting the waitstaff
• Irregular hours and late-night shifts, which may impact work-life balance