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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Occupational Requirements Survey > Publications > Factsheets

Waiters and waitresses

Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2024, more than basic people skills were required for 17.7 percent of waiters and waitresses, and basic people skills were required for 82.3 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of waiters and waitresses with cognitive and mental requirements, 2024
Requirement	Yes	No
Adaptability: Work schedule variability	91.2	8.8
Pace: Pause control	13.5	86.5
Working around crowds	10.1	89.9
Telework	<0.5	>99.5
Work review: Supervising others	1.2	98.8
Work review: Presence of supervisor	97.2	2.8
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and experience requirements

The minimum level of formal education required, credentials necessary, on-the-job training, and prior work experience necessary for average performance in jobs.

In 2024, prior work experience was required for 28.4 percent of waiters and waitresses and on-the-job training was required for 97.4 percent.

No minimum education was required for 78.6 percent of waiters and waitresses.

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete hazards or difficulties that are in the vicinity of where jobs’ critical tasks are performed.

In 2024, 95.3 percent of waiters and waitresses were not exposed to extreme cold, and greater than 99.5 percent were not exposed to extreme heat. Wetness was not present for 9.1 percent, greater than 99.5 percent were not exposed to heavy vibrations, and 68.2 percent were not exposed to the outdoors.

Physical demands

Refer to the physical activities required to perform tasks in jobs. The presence and, in some cases, duration of these activities are published.

In 2024, reaching at or below the shoulder was required for 96.6 percent of waiters and waitresses and was not required for 3.4 percent. For 4.2 percent of workers, reaching at or below the shoulder was seldom performed, for 64.1 percent reaching at or below the shoulder occurred occasionally, 28.3 percent frequently, and for less than 0.5 percent reaching at or below the shoulder occurred constantly.

Performing work in low postures was required for 66.2 percent of waiters and waitresses and was not required for 33.8 percent.

On average, waiters and waitresses spent 2.2 percent of the workday sitting and 97.8 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of waiters and waitresses with physical demands, 2024
Requirement	Yes	No
Choice of sitting or standing	<0.5	>99.5
Driving	<0.5	>99.5
Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs	15.9	84.1
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey