How much does a food server make?

In the U.S., experience, location, hours worked, and employer type—such as a hospital, hotel, or caterer—can affect pay. Special duties like checking patients’ meal plans add responsibility; most jobs need no special license, though alcohol service may require local training.

Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars. Excludes “Fast Food and Counter Workers” (35-3023) and “Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers” (41-9091).

What's a typical day like?

They check trays for utensils and the right meal, then carry them to hotel or hospital rooms. They make sure special-diet instructions are followed, collect used dishes, and restock supplies.

In the U.S., many jobs require no diploma or experience, though employers set their own rules. Workers learn customer service, safe food handling, and cleaning on the job; alcohol service may require local training.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and helping and teaching.

Some food servers must make sure each meal reaches the right person and follows special-diet rules—especially important when delivering trays in hospitals.