What Does a Server Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a server do?

Waiters and waitresses greet guests, explain menus, take orders, serve food and drinks, handle payments and make sure guests enjoy their dining experience. The median pay is $35,230 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 weeks, and employment is projected to grow +2.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$35,230
$16.94/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+2.0%
2025–35, slower than average
Openings per year
423,100
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
BLS classification
Time to train
1–2 weeks
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
2,284,400
Employment, 2025

What servers do

Servers are the face of a restaurant. They greet guests, explain menus and specials, take orders, coordinate with the kitchen, serve food and drinks, check back, handle payments and reset tables. Good servers read their tables, anticipate needs and handle problems smoothly, which shows up in their tips.

No formal education is required, and training happens on the job. Servers in restaurants that serve alcohol may need responsible alcohol service training. Serving is a flexible job for students and career changers and a path into management.

Typical duties

Greet guests and explain the menu
Take food and drink orders accurately
Communicate allergies to the kitchen
Serve food and drinks
Check on tables and resolve problems
Process payments
Complete side work and reset tables

Work environment and schedule

Servers work in restaurants, hotels, banquet halls and clubs, walking and carrying trays for hours.

Schedule: Shifts include evenings, weekends and holidays, with part-time schedules common.

A day in the life

4:00 PMClock in, review specials and complete pre-shift side work.
5:00 PMGreet the first tables and take drink orders.
6:00 PMEnter orders, noting a guest’s nut allergy.
7:30 PMManage six tables during the rush.

See a full day in the life of a server →

Server salary

Half of servers earned more than $35,230 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $18,100 for the lowest 10% to $64,720 for the top 10%.

$18,10010th$35,230Median$64,72090th

Full server pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a server

Get hired
Learn the menu
Get certified
Build skills
Advance

No formal education is required. Servers learn on the job. Food handler cards and responsible alcohol service training are often required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a server →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Menu knowledge
Order taking
POS systems
Tray carrying
Allergen communication

People skills

Friendliness
Multitasking
Memory
Composure

All server skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Tips can add up quickly
Flexible scheduling
Social work
Easy to start

Cons

Income varies with tips
Physically demanding
Difficult customers
Nights and weekends

Certifications and licenses

Food handler card: Basic food safety training.
Responsible alcohol service: TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol training.
Allergen awareness: Training to prevent allergen mistakes.
Wine basics certification: Such as WSET Level 1.

Career path

Host or Busser: Support service.
Server: Serve tables.
Lead Server or Trainer: Train new servers.
Manager: Lead the restaurant.

Learn the job before day one

Our Server training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as take an order accurately and carry a tray safely, safety and how to land your first job.

View Server training Is this career right for me?

Bartender

Mix drinks, serve guests and create a great atmosphere at the bar.

$34,340
1–4 weeks

Barista

Make coffee drinks and serve customers at cafes and coffee shops.

$31,200
1–2 weeks

Restaurant Manager

Run restaurants: guests, staff, food quality, safety and profits.

$69,390
2–5 years of restaurant experience

Hotel Front Desk Agent

Welcome hotel guests, check them in and solve problems during their stay.

$35,070
1–2 weeks

Compare: Server vs. Bartender · Server vs. Barista · Server vs. Restaurant Manager · Server vs. Front Desk Agent

Server FAQ

Do servers need experience?

Not always; many restaurants train new servers.

How do servers get paid?

Usually a base wage plus tips, depending on state law.

Is serving a good job?

It can pay well with tips and offers flexibility.

How much does a server make?

The median annual wage for servers was $35,230 ($16.94 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $18,100 and the highest 10% earned more than $64,720.

How long does it take to become a server?

Most people need about 1–2 weeks of training. No formal education is required. Servers learn on the job. Food handler cards and responsible alcohol service training are often required.

Do you need a degree to be a server?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 35-3031 (Waiters and waitresses).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Waiters and waitresses (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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