Waiters and Waitresses Go Back to List Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Instant messaging software

Tasks
	Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
	Collect payments from customers.
	Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.
	Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.
	Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems.
	Serve food or beverages to patrons, and prepare or serve specialty dishes at tables as required.
	Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes.
	Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
	Inform customers of daily specials.
	Clean tables or counters after patrons have finished dining.

Skills
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Education & Training   Education:   Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.   Related Experience:   Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.

View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $43,046.00 $20.70  $15.08  $15.34 - $23.58  Bridgeport/Stamford $44,397.00 $21.35  $15.86  $16.36 - $23.84  Danbury $40,830.00 $19.63  $14.94  $15.20 - $22.09  Hartford $43,345.00 $20.84  $14.96  $15.17 - $24.46  New Haven $42,242.00 $20.31  $14.99  $15.19 - $22.91  New London/Norwich $42,541.00 $20.45  $14.53  $15.02 - $23.37  Waterbury $41,397.00 $19.90  $14.78  $15.01 - $22.14  Torrington $39,913.00 $19.19  $14.82  $15.06 - $21.83

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   5273   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
	Cooks, Fast Food
	Food Preparation Workers
	Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
	Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop
	Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
	Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
	Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers

	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.