Virginia Career VIEW

Waiters and Waitresses

Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.

Tasks Include:

  • Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
  • Collect payments from customers.
  • Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.
  • Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.
  • Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems.
  • Serve food or beverages to patrons, and prepare or serve specialty dishes at tables as required.
  • Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes.
  • Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
  • Inform customers of daily specials.
  • Clean tables or counters after patrons have finished dining.
  • Prepare hot, cold, and mixed drinks for patrons, and chill bottles of wine.
  • Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods.

    • more »


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

 

Projections Quick View:


Virginia: -4.4%

National: +1.0%

 

Education

High School Diploma

Job Zone:

Two: Some Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Moderately High ($36,000 - $49,999)

Median Earnings:

 

National

$31,940.00

State

$34,150.00

Regional


 


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Description


Career Cluster: Hospitality & Tourism

Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Education


Required Level of Education
  • High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 57%
  • Less than a High School Diploma = 28.37%
  • Bachelor's Degree = 7.08%
  • Some College Courses = 5.22%
  • Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 2.33%

Related Work Experience
  • None = 24.27%
  • Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 23.98%
  • Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 17.79%
  • Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 11.88%
  • Up to and including 1 month = 11.35%
  • Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 8.83%
  • Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 1.91%

On-Site or In-Plant Training
  • Up to and including 1 month = 77.74%
  • None = 8.68%
  • Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 8.47%
  • Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 2.69%
  • Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 2.42%

On-the-Job Training
  • Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 77.64%
  • Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 8.31%
  • None or short demonstration = 7.49%
  • Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 6.56%


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Tasks


Core Tasks Include:

  • Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
  • Collect payments from customers.
  • Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.
  • Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.
  • Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems.
  • Serve food or beverages to patrons, and prepare or serve specialty dishes at tables as required.
  • Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes.
  • Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
  • Inform customers of daily specials.
  • Clean tables or counters after patrons have finished dining.
  • Prepare hot, cold, and mixed drinks for patrons, and chill bottles of wine.
  • Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods.
  • Prepare tables for meals, including setting up items such as linens, silverware, and glassware.
  • Perform food preparation duties, such as preparing salads, appetizers, and cold dishes, portioning desserts, and brewing coffee.
  • Stock service areas with supplies such as coffee, food, tableware, and linens.
  • Fill salt, pepper, sugar, cream, condiment, and napkin containers.
  • Escort customers to their tables.
  • Describe and recommend wines to customers.
  • Bring wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses, and pour the wines for customers.
  • Roll silverware, set up food stations, or set up dining areas to prepare for the next shift or for large parties.
  • Remove dishes and glasses from tables or counters, and take them to kitchen for cleaning.
  • Assist host or hostess by answering phones to take reservations or to-go orders, and by greeting, seating, and thanking guests.
  • Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet, tidying up server station, taking out trash, or checking and cleaning bathroom.
  • Provide guests with information about local areas, including directions.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

  • Garnish and decorate dishes in preparation for serving.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Tools and Technology


Tools Include:

  • Paging controllers (Alphanumeric paging equipment)
  • Commercial use cutlery (Carving knives)
  • Cash registers
  • Magnetic card readers (Credit card readers)
  • Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Personal digital assistants PDA)
  • Point of sale POS receipt printers (Point of sale POS printers)
  • Point of sale POS terminal (Point of sale POS terminals)
  • Point of sale POS terminal (Point of service workstations)
  • Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Portable bar code scanners)
  • Touch screen monitors

Technologies Include:

  • Point of sale POS software
  • Compris Advanced Manager's Workstation
  • Compris software
  • ICVERIFY software
  • Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale
  • MICROS Systems HSI Profits Series
  • NCR Advanced Checkout Solution
  • NCR NeighborhoodPOS
  • Point of sale POS software
  • The General Store software


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 
 
 

Waiters and Waitresses

Additional Resources


Information about job opportunities may be obtained from local employers and local offices of the Virginia Employment Commission.

A guide to careers in restaurants, a list of 2- and 4-year colleges that have food service programs, and information on scholarships to those programs is available from:

National Restaurant Association
1200 17th St. NW.
Washington, DC 20036-3097
http://www.restaurant.org

For general information on hospitality careers, contact:

International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education
3205 Skipwith Rd.
Richmond, VA 23294-4442
http://www.chrie.org

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Knowledge


% Subject Description
84.25 Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
68.75 English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
61.75 Sales and Marketing Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
56.25 Food Production Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Skills


% Subject Description
68.75 Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
65.50 Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
65.50 Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
62.50 Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
53.00 Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50.00 Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Abilities


% Subject Description
72.00 Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
72.00 Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
65.50 Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
65.50 Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
53.00 Time Sharing The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
53.00 Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
50.00 Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
50.00 Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
50.00 Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
50.00 Trunk Strength The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
50.00 Stamina The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
50.00 Selective Attention The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Work Activities


% Subject Description
76.50 Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
75.25 Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
72.25 Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
68.25 Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
65.75 Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
63.50 Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
61.50 Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
61.50 Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
61.50 Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
60.25 Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
57.75 Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
57.25 Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
57.00 Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
55.25 Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
54.50 Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
53.00 Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
51.75 Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Work Styles


% Subject Description
80.50 Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
79.75 Self-Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
79.75 Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
78.25 Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
77.50 Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
76.50 Social Orientation Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
74.00 Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
73.50 Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
73.25 Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
73.00 Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical.
66.75 Achievement/Effort Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
66.25 Independence Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
62.25 Persistence Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
59.00 Leadership Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Work Values


% Subject Description
83.33 Relationships Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Work Context


% Subject Description
95.80 Contact With Others How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
94.40 Spend Time Walking and Running How much does this job require walking and running?
93.40 Spend Time Standing How much does this job require standing?
84.40 Indoors, Environmentally Controlled How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
82.20 Physical Proximity To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
81.00 Face-to-Face Discussions How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
80.40 Importance of Being Exact or Accurate How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
80.20 Work With Work Group or Team How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
77.80 Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
77.60 Deal With External Customers How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
75.80 Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
74.00 Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
73.80 Coordinate or Lead Others How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
73.80 Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
71.60 Telephone How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
68.00 Importance of Repeating Same Tasks How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
67.00 Frequency of Decision Making How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
63.40 Responsible for Others' Health and Safety How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
62.40 Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
61.80 Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
60.20 Level of Competition To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
58.40 Structured versus Unstructured Work To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
57.20 Time Pressure How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
56.80 Freedom to Make Decisions How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
55.60 Frequency of Conflict Situations How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
51.00 Responsibility for Outcomes and Results How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
50.00 Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed


  • Overall Experience
    • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
  • Job Training
    • Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Examples
    • These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
  • Education
    • These occupations usually require a high school diploma.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Earnings Benefits*


Region Entry Level Median Experienced
United States $18,600.00 $31,940.00 $41,600.00
Virginia $24,960.00 $34,150.00 $44,960.00
 
Region Entry Level Median Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington $28,490.00 $36,580.00 $49,010.00
Bay Consortium $26,780.00 $34,670.00 $44,770.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership $26,850.00 $30,680.00 $42,130.00
Central VA/Region2000 $25,290.00 $28,030.00 $37,300.00
Crater Area $26,510.00 $30,410.00 $41,700.00
Greater Peninsula No Data No Data No Data
Hampton Roads $25,730.00 $30,230.00 $39,890.00
New River/Mt. Rogers $25,110.00 $28,160.00 $37,970.00
Northern Virginia $28,750.00 $36,580.00 $49,310.00
Piedmont Workforce $26,640.00 $33,410.00 $42,930.00
Shenandoah Valley $25,650.00 $29,240.00 $39,760.00
South Central $25,470.00 $28,650.00 $38,250.00
Southwestern Virginia $25,020.00 $25,560.00 $33,250.00
West Piedmont $25,230.00 $28,510.00 $37,860.00
Western Virginia $25,160.00 $28,050.00 $37,580.00

* Earnings Calculations:

 Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

 National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.



The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Employment Projections


USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

 

  Current Projected % Change
United States 2,277,900 2,300,800 +1.0%
Virginia 53,324 50,952 -4.4%
 
Region Current* Projected % Change
Alexandria/Arlington 3,066 3,848 +25.5%
Bay Consortium 2,224 2,717 +22.2%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership 7,483 9,297 +24.2%
Central VA/Region2000 941 1,094 +16.3%
Crater Area 444 559 +25.9%
Greater Peninsula 3,493 4,127 +18.2%
Hampton Roads 7,594 8,952 +17.9%
New River/Mt. Rogers 1,918 2,149 +12.0%
Northern Virginia 12,518 15,800 +26.2%
Piedmont Workforce 2,048 2,515 +22.8%
Shenandoah Valley 3,310 3,984 +20.4%
South Central 452 483 +6.9%
Southwestern Virginia 381 388 +1.8%
West Piedmont 850 920 +8.2%
Western Virginia 2,063 2,343 +13.6%
* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Related Occupations


Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:
Careers in Restaurants and Food/Beverage Services Pathway:


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

View Videos


CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

 

CareerOneStop Hospitality & Tourism Videos
Overview
Occupations


The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)


 
 

Waiters and Waitresses

Proficiency Ratings


These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency Rating
Getting Information 4.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public 4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships 3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others 3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings 3.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events 3.5
Assisting and Caring for Others 3.5
Handling and Moving Objects 3.5
Performing General Physical Activities 3.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards 3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People 3.5
Training and Teaching Others 3.5
Selling or Influencing Others 3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others 3.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials 3.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 3.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work 3.0
Controlling Machines and Processes 3.0
Developing and Building Teams 3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information 3.0
Processing Information 3.0
Coaching and Developing Others 3.0
Thinking Creatively 3.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 2.5
Working with Computers 2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates 2.5
Analyzing Data or Information 2.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources 2.5
Communicating with People Outside the Organization 2.5
Performing Administrative Activities 2.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others 2.5
Scheduling Work and Activities 2.5
Documenting/Recording Information 2.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies 2.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others 2.5
Staffing Organizational Units 2.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment 1.5
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment 1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment 1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment 1.5


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 

Waiters and Waitresses

Titles

  • Banquet Captain
  • Banquet Server
  • Banquet Waiter/Waitress
  • Bar Waiter/Waitress
  • Bartender
  • Buffet Waiter/Waitress
  • Captain Waiter
  • Car Hop
  • Cashier and Waiter/Waitress
  • Club Waiter/Waitress
  • Cocktail Server
  • Cocktail Waitress
  • Deck Steward
  • Dining Car Server
  • Dining Car Waiter/Waitress
  • Dining Room Captain
  • Food and Beverage Server
  • Food Expeditor
  • Food Runner
  • Food Server
  • Formal Waiter/Waitress
  • Head Banquet Waiter/Waitress
  • Headwaiter
  • Headwaitress
  • Hostess
  • Informal Waiter/Waitress
  • Mess Attendant
  • Restaurant Server
  • Room Service Server
  • Room Service Waiter
  • Server
  • Singing Waiter or Waitress
  • Sommelier
  • Waiter
  • Waiter and Cashier
  • Waitress
  • Waitstaff
  • Waitstaff Captain
  • Wine Steward
  • Wine Steward/Stewardess


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)


 
 

Waiters and Waitresses

Related Schools

There are no Related Schools at this time.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)