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Food Service

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
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Median pay

$34,460
Median annual pay for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

48,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

277,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+8,200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Food Production
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Public Safety and Security

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Selective Attention
  5. 5Speech Clarity
  6. 6Speech Recognition

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Social
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Investigative

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Social Orientation
  5. 5Empathy
  6. 6Optimism

Work activities

  1. 1Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  4. 4Performing General Physical Activities
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Spend Time Standing
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Spend Time Walking or Running
  4. 4Time Pressure
  5. 5Physical Proximity
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Place food servings on plates or trays according to orders or instructions.
  • Clean or sterilize dishes, kitchen utensils, equipment, or facilities.
  • Monitor food distribution, ensuring that meals are delivered to the correct recipients and that guidelines, such as those for special diets, are followed.
  • Examine trays to ensure that they contain required items.
  • Load trays with accessories, such as eating utensils, napkins, or condiments.
  • Take food orders and relay orders to kitchens or serving counters so they can be filled.
  • Monitor food preparation or serving techniques to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
  • Remove trays and stack dishes for return to kitchen after meals are finished.

Software and tools

Facebook · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyCapital Codeworks MenuMaxCBORD Nutrition Service SuitePicis CareSuite

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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