Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages.
SOC: 35-3023.00
Common Job Titles
Cafe Server
Cafeteria Server
Food Service Assistant
Food Service Worker
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onCoordinate multiple orders and service tasks while maintaining speed and accuracy during peak business hours.
Proficient
MindsetEngage customers to accurately fulfill food and beverage orders at counter or drive-through service points in fast-paced environments.
Developing
KnowledgeApply customer service protocols and food safety procedures when handling orders, payment processing, and food preparation.
Developing
Hands-onOperate point of sale systems and cash registers to process transactions accurately including cash, credit, and barcode scanning.
Developing
Hands-onPerform food preparation tasks using commercial kitchen equipment including fryers, grills, blenders, and microwaves following standardized recipes.
Developing
KnowledgeCompute order totals and cash transactions using basic mathematics to provide accurate change and balance registers.
Developing
MindsetRespond to customer inquiries and concerns about menu items and orders with courtesy and attentiveness during high-volume service periods.
Developing
KnowledgeApply food production and safety standards when preparing, assembling, and serving items from steam tables or service counters.
Developing
KnowledgeMonitor food inventory levels and equipment operation to ensure adequate supplies and identify needs for restocking or maintenance.
Developing
MindsetParticipate in team coordination and communication with kitchen and service staff to maintain workflow efficiency and resolve service issues.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Fast Food and Counter Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,780,930
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $22,620. 25th percentile: U.S. $27,150. 50th percentile: U.S. $30,480. 75th percentile: U.S. $35,440. 90th percentile: U.S. $38,800. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$22,620
10% of workers earn the following or more
$38,800
Workers on average earn
$31,350
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
Food Production4.1/5
Public Safety and Security3.9/5
English Language3.7/5
Sales and Marketing3.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
