Waiter & Waitress Jobs

Waiter and waitress jobs can mean fun times, great discounts, and big money ahead.

Waiting tables can be a great job. You’ll work with fun people in a fast-paced environment all while having the opportunity to make lots of money. But being a waiter or a waitress isn’t always easy and on occasion it can be downright stressful. So how do you know if a server job is right for you? If the following sounds like something you might be interested in, you just might have a future in the restaurant industry.

Waiter & waitress job description

Restaurants, from burger joints to upscale cafés, rely on waiters and waitresses to provide a pleasant dining experience. Although tasks vary from place to place, most likely you will have to: Ring up food and drink orders Bring food and drink orders to the table Conduct cash and credit transactions Give back correct change Wait on multiple tables at the same time Clean tables Roll silverware Pitch in wherever needed

What are the working conditions?

Servers work many different shifts that can vary from day to day depending on the restaurant. You’ll be lifting heavy trays and be asked to stay on your feet (and stay busy) during your entire shift. You’ll need comfy shoes and will probably have to wear a uniform. Waiters and waitresses have to be many things, but most of all they need to be hard workers. Most restaurants require servers to clean up their tables, sweep floors and roll silverware at the end of their shifts. Many places also require ongoing side work – like making coffee, keeping the soup area clean and restocking the tea canisters. Being a waitress or waiter is definitely a job for someone who isn’t afraid of a little hard work and doesn’t mind being on their feet all day.

What skills do I need and how can I get promoted?

The best waiters and waitresses are fun, nice, and very outgoing. Think about a dining experience you enjoyed. The server was likely very friendly and attentive, made sure you had what you needed and knew when to back off. Good servers are able to engage diners in conversation without being too pushy, and they always have a smile on their faces. You’ll be dealing with people all day long and will need to be upbeat and energetic the whole time – even when your feet hurt. Remember, your money comes from tips, so the more people like you the more likely they are to give you a big tip.

Waiters and waitresses are expected to be able to do many things at once – quickly. You’ll not only be waiting on your own tables, but you’ll be expected to help out with other servers’ tables and fill in wherever needed. Multitasking is crucial to being a good server. You’ll also need to be patient. On occasion, stressful things will happen. You’ll get parents who let their children pour out a whole bottle of ketchup on the floor and then don’t leave you a tip. Every once in a while the kitchen will forget to make the food for your table, the bartender will forget to make your table’s drink and someone will accidentally drop your table’s food.  The key to being a good waiter or waitress is knowing how to deal with some of the stresses that come along with the job. Bad things won’t happen every day, but when they do happen, being able to deal with them calmly and efficiently will make you a great waiter or waitress. 

Promotions will usually come in the form of a steady shift, a raise in hourly pay, and best choice of table sections. Almost all managers start out as waiters or waitresses, and for the right person there is almost endless opportunity for growth in the restaurant industry.

How much money does a waiter or waitress make?

Since most of your pay will come in the form of tips, you probably won’t get paid much per hour so expect a very small paycheck. Upscale restaurants may pay more per hour. You’ll also be expected to claim your tips as income, so even though you may make $100 in cash on a given night and get to take it all home, you’ll still have to pay taxes on the money come April 15th. Make sure to save some of your money accordingly.

In addition to tips and paychecks, you can usually expect to receive a discount on food. Wages vary depending on location and job description, so for more specific information on pay in your area, check out our salary calculator.

Waiting tables isn’t always easy work. But if you are outgoing, patient, good at multitasking and aren’t afraid to work hard, server jobs can be rewarding, fun and profitable.