Waiters and Waitresses
O*NET 35-3031.00 · SOC 35-3031
Waiter is a solid career choice. Median pay is $35k a year with +2% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 423,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Take food and drink orders from customers at tables
- →Serve meals and beverages to seated restaurant guests
- →Check on customers during meals to ensure satisfaction
- →Present itemized bills and collect payment from diners
- →Refill water glasses and bread baskets throughout the meal
Education & How to Get In
Waiter roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Waiter involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Waiter?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Waiter Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Waiters and Waitresses is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Waiter make?
The median Waiter earns $35k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Waiter jobs?
Our model puts Waiter at 46 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Waiter a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 423,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Waiter?
Most Waiter roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Waiter?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Waiter career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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