Waiter/Waitress

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Work Tasks

• Take meal orders from customers; may suggest food or explain how food is cooked
• Serve food and drinks and give customers their bills
• May set up and clear tables, and show people where to sit
• May act as cashier
• Work for restaurants, coffee shops, bars, hotels, bowling alleys, casinos, country clubs, and other clubs
• Work with menus, food and drinks, dishes, silverware, glasses, checks, cash, and credit cards

Salary, Size & Growth

• $24,000 average per year ($11.50 per hour)
• A very large occupation (2,244,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.6% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma
• Skills/Courses: Must be able to serve customers, be organized, and keep track of money.