As of June 2026, Waiters and Waitresses has an AI-exposure score of 41/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Waiters and Waitresses
More exposed than 11% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$35,230. About 456,700 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Food Service roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (50%).
- Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.
- Assist host or hostess by answering phones to take reservations or to-go orders, and by greeting, seating, and thanking guests.
- Escort customers to their tables.
- Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems.
- Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods.
- Inform customers of daily specials.
- Collect payments from customers.
- Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes.
- Remove dishes and glasses from tables or counters, and take them to kitchen for cleaning.
- Serve food or beverages to patrons, and prepare or serve specialty dishes at tables as required.
- Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet, tidying up server station, taking out trash, or checking and cleaning bathroom.
- Prepare tables for meals, including setting up items such as linens, silverware, and glassware.
- Stock service areas with supplies such as coffee, food, tableware, and linens.
- Roll silverware, set up food stations, or set up dining areas to prepare for the next shift or for large parties.
- Prepare hot, cold, and mixed drinks for patrons, and chill bottles of wine.
- Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.
- Clean tables or counters after patrons have finished dining.
- Bring wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses, and pour the wines for customers.
Safer adjacent roles
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Waiters and Waitresses — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)
Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$35,230. More states are being added.