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Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Compare to another career

Facilitate food service. Clean tables; remove dirty dishes; replace soiled table linens; set tables; replenish supply of clean linens, silverware, glassware, and dishes; supply service bar with food; and serve items such as water, condiments, and coffee to patrons.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $33,980/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$21,300$46,570

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: +6.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.

About 99,600 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
CoordinationActive ListeningService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionTime Management
Top knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceFood ProductionEnglish LanguageSales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementPersonnel and Human ResourcesPublic Safety and SecurityProduction and Processing
Core tasks

• Run cash registers.

• Serve ice water, coffee, rolls, or butter to patrons.

• Scrape and stack dirty dishes and carry dishes and other tableware to kitchens for cleaning.

• Wipe tables or seats with dampened cloths or replace dirty tablecloths.

• Set tables with clean linens, condiments, or other supplies.

• Greet and seat customers.

• Clean up spilled food or drink or broken dishes and remove empty bottles and trash.

• Maintain adequate supplies of items, such as clean linens, silverware, glassware, dishes, or trays.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers?

The median pay for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers is $33,980 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers?

Employment for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers is projected to change +6.3% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.

What education is typically required for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers?

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.

How many job openings are there each year for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers?

About 99,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.