HandsOnward
Sign InBuild My Roadmap

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $35,360/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$28,030$46,120

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +3% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 48,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Active ListeningService OrientationSpeakingReading ComprehensionCoordinationCritical ThinkingTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoring
Top knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageFood ProductionAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsPsychology
Core tasks

Place food servings on plates or trays according to orders or instructions.

Clean or sterilize dishes, kitchen utensils, equipment, or facilities.

Monitor food distribution, ensuring that meals are delivered to the correct recipients and that guidelines, such as those for special diets, are followed.

Examine trays to ensure that they contain required items.

Load trays with accessories, such as eating utensils, napkins, or condiments.

Take food orders and relay orders to kitchens or serving counters so they can be filled.

Monitor food preparation or serving techniques to ensure that proper procedures are followed.

Remove trays and stack dishes for return to kitchen after meals are finished.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant?

The median pay for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant is $35,360 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant?

Employment for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant is projected to change +3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant?

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.

How many job openings are there each year for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant?

About 48,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.