The median pay for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant is $35,360 a year ($17.00/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 4.5% through 2035, with about 48,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
- SOC 35-3041
- Food Preparation and Serving Related
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Food Server, Nonrestaurant in four numbers
- Median pay
- $35,360a year, or $17.00/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $28KTop 10% $46K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +4.5%Faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+4.5%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +4.5% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 48,800296,300 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025296.3K
- Projected 2035309.6K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 296.3K Projected 2035 309.6K - Typical education
- No formal credentialneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school27.1%
- High school48.1%
- Some college8.6%
- Associate's2%
- Bachelor's6.2%
- Post-doctoral training6.6%
Highest education held by food servers, nonrestaurant Segment Value Less than high school 27.1% High school 48.1% Some college 8.6% Associate's 2% Bachelor's 6.2% Post-doctoral training 6.6%
Also advertised as: Food Server, Food Service Worker, Kitchen Runner, Room Server, Room Service Server, Tray Server.
Pay
How much do food servers make?
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant earn a median of $35,360 a year ($17.00 an hour, or about $2,950 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $28,030 and the top 10% more than $46,120 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is New York, with a median of $39,370. See Food server, nonrestaurant salary in New York and every other state. By city, pay is highest around Kahului ($59,030 average): salary in every city.
Every food server, nonrestaurant in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$35,360
Middle half earn $31,190 to $38,500
- 10th
- $28,030
- 25th
- $31,190
- 75th
- $38,500
- 90th
- $46,120
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $28,030 |
| 25th | $31,190 |
| Median | $35,360 |
| 75th | $38,500 |
| 90th | $46,120 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $35,360
- Median hourly wage
- $17.00/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $36,140
- People employed
- 293,900
Versus all US occupations
At $35,360, Food Servers, Nonrestaurant earn 31% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $15,620 a year.
Versus food preparation and serving related occupations
The median is typical for the Food Preparation and Serving Related group, where the middle occupation pays $35,360.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $46,120 or more while the bottom 10% earn $28,030, a gap of 1.6×. That is a narrow spread, so experience and employer move pay less than in most occupations.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 1% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
New York posts the highest raw median ($39,370), but once local prices are taken into account North Dakota leads at $41,491 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay food servers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1New York | $39,370 | $36,480 | 17,520 |
| 2California | $39,010 | $35,233 | 32,430 |
| 3Colorado | $38,900 | $37,748 | 7,750 |
| 4Washington | $38,870 | $36,323 | 8,050 |
| 5Alaska | $38,090 | $37,212 | 430 |
| 6District of Columbia | $37,920 | $34,504 | 1,260 |
| 7Hawaii | $37,920 | $34,488 | 880 |
| 8Maine | $37,680 | $38,825 | 540 |
| 9Vermont | $37,540 | $38,323 | 780 |
| 10North Dakota | $36,910 | $41,491 | 1,630 |
Job outlook
Is food server, nonrestaurant a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Faster than average. +4.5% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | +4.5% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant to change 4.5% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 13,300 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 48,800 openings are projected each year, 16.5% of the 296,300 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of food and beverage serving and related workers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of food and beverage serving and related workers varies by occupation (see table).
As a growing population continues to dine out, purchase take-out meals, or have food delivered, more restaurants, particularly fast food and casual dining restaurants, are expected to open. In response, more food and beverage serving and related workers are expected to be needed.
AI exposure: moderate
BLS places this occupation in its moderate relative AI exposure category, below the middle of the pack: some of the work overlaps with what AI can do, much of it does not.
Getting in
How to become a food server, nonrestaurant
Food and beverage serving and related workers typically have no requirements for education to enter the occupation. They receive short-term on-the-job training.
Most states require workers who serve alcoholic beverages, even as an accompaniment to meals, to be at least 18 years old.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
No formal educational credential
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as food servers, nonrestaurant.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)48.1%
- Less than a High School Diploma27.1%
- Some College Courses8.6%
- Post-Doctoral Training6.6%
- Bachelor's Degree6.2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 48.1% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 27.1% |
| Some College Courses | 8.6% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 6.6% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 6.2% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a food server, nonrestaurant do?
Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars.
Food and beverage serving and related workers take and prepare orders, clear tables, and do other tasks associated with providing food and drink to customers.
Day-to-day tasks
- Place food servings on plates or trays according to orders or instructions.
- Load trays with accessories, such as eating utensils, napkins, or condiments.
- Examine trays to ensure that they contain required items.
- Carry food, silverware, or linen on trays or use carts to carry trays.
- Monitor food distribution, ensuring that meals are delivered to the correct recipients and that guidelines, such as those for special diets, are followed.
- Remove trays and stack dishes for return to kitchen after meals are finished.
- Stock service stations with items, such as ice, napkins, or straws.
- Clean or sterilize dishes, kitchen utensils, equipment, or facilities.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Part-time work is common for food and beverage serving and related workers. Because restaurants and other eating places typically have extended dining hours, work shifts often include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Work may be seasonal. Food and beverage serving and related workers may not work or may have limited hours during certain times of the year. For example, those in school cafeterias may work only during the school year, usually 9 to 10 months.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the timeRegular bending or twisting.
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Reading Comprehension2.9
- Critical Thinking2.9
- Monitoring2.8
- Writing2.0
- Mathematics2.0
- Active Learning2.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.9 |
| Monitoring | 2.8 |
| Writing | 2.0 |
| Mathematics | 2.0 |
| Active Learning | 2.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Service Orientation3.0
- Social Perceptiveness2.9
- Coordination2.9
- Time Management2.9
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8
- Management of Personnel Resources2.3
- Persuasion2.1
- Negotiation2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Service Orientation | 3.0 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
| Coordination | 2.9 |
| Time Management | 2.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.8 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 2.3 |
| Persuasion | 2.1 |
| Negotiation | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Web page creation and editing software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a food server, nonrestaurant?
Women make up 75.7% of food servers, nonrestaurant, against 47.1% of all employed people: a female-dominated occupation.
20.6% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 35.1 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 75.7%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 35.1All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 20.6%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 233,000BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of food servers, nonrestaurant | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 75.7% | 47.1% |
| White | 71.9% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 17.4% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 6.9% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 20.6% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 20.6% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 33.0% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a food server, nonrestaurant?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Food Server, Nonrestaurant |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 1 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 4 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with teaching, helping and working directly with other people.
- Realistic4.8
- Social4.2
- Conventional3.9
- Enterprising2.9
- Artistic2.1
- Investigative1.5
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Food Server, Nonrestaurant
O*NET related occupations
- Food Preparation and Serving Related
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendant and Bartender Helper
$33,980median a year
Most earn $21K to $47K
+5.3%No formal credential - Food Preparation and Serving Related
- Food Preparation and Serving Related
- Food Preparation and Serving Related
- Food Preparation and Serving Related
- Food Preparation and Serving Related
More food preparation and serving related careers
Median annual pay, with food servers, nonrestaurant highlighted
- Chef$62,470
- Food Server, Nonrestaurant$35,360
- Food Preparation Worker$35,320
- Server$35,230
- Bartender$34,340
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendant and Bartender Helper$33,980
- Barista$31,200
- Fast Food and Counter Worker$31,200
- Host and Hostess, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$31,200
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Chef | $62,470 |
| Food Server, Nonrestaurant | $35,360 |
| Food Preparation Worker | $35,320 |
| Server | $35,230 |
| Bartender | $34,340 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendant and Bartender Helper | $33,980 |
| Barista | $31,200 |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker | $31,200 |
| Host and Hostess, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $31,200 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Food Server, Nonrestaurant appears on
Questions
Food Server, Nonrestaurant: frequently asked questions
How much do food servers make?
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant earn a median of $35,360 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 31% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $17.00/hr. The middle half earn between $31,190 and $38,500. The top 10% earn $46,120 or more.
How much do food servers make an hour?
The median hourly wage for food servers, nonrestaurant is $17.00 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $35,360 annual median works out to about $2,950 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a food server, nonrestaurant?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of food servers, nonrestaurant earn less than $28,030 a year and the bottom quarter less than $31,190 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Which states pay food servers the most?
The highest state medians for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant are New York ($39,370), California ($39,010), Colorado ($38,900) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, North Dakota moves to the top at $41,491.
What kind of food server, nonrestaurant earns the most?
BLS does not split food servers, nonrestaurant' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $46,120, against a median of $35,360 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are New York ($39,370), California ($39,010), Colorado ($38,900).
Do you need a degree to become a food server, nonrestaurant?
No. BLS lists no formal educational credential as the typical entry requirement for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as some preparation. BLS also lists short-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 48.1% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
How long does it take to become a food server, nonrestaurant?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for food servers is no formal educational credential. Once hired, BLS lists short-term on-the-job training as typical. O*NET classes the work as needing some preparation.
Is food server, nonrestaurant a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4.5% over 2025–2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 48,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a food server, nonrestaurant do?
Food and beverage serving and related workers take and prepare orders, clear tables, and do other tasks associated with providing food and drink to customers. A core O*NET task: place food servings on plates or trays according to orders or instructions. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Office suite software, Operating system software.
Do food servers work 40 hours a week?
Yes, for most. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 22% of food servers, nonrestaurant usually work more than 40 hours a week, 51% work exactly 40 and 28% work fewer. 74% say their schedule is regular and 14% irregular, and 12% work seasonally. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a food server, nonrestaurant?
O*NET scores Food Servers, Nonrestaurant highest on the Realistic, Social and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with teaching, helping and working directly with other people. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ISFJ, ESFJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of food servers are women?
Women make up 75.7% of food servers, nonrestaurant, against 47.1% of all employed people: a female-dominated occupation. 20.6% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 35.1 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages.