Waiter and Waitress Job Description, Skills and Responsibilities
Updated on
December 1, 2025
by
Instawork Editorial
3
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Waiters and waitresses play a key role in creating a great dining experience in restaurants, fine-dining establishments, and hotels. This guide explains the job description, job brief, responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements, and how the role can look different depending on the setting.
Waiter and Waitress Duties and Responsibilities
Here are the most common waiter/waitress duties and responsibilities.
Customer Service
Greet guests and seat them when needed
Present menus and answer basic questions
Take accurate food and drink orders
Check in with guests during the meal
Handle guest concerns or requests promptly
Food and Beverage Service
Deliver food and beverages to the correct tables
Ensure orders are served correctly and on time
Refill drinks and bring additional items as needed
Use this waiter and waitress job description example and update it for your job post.
Location: Detroit, MI
About Us:
We are a customer-focused hospitality team dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences. Our establishment values professionalism, teamwork, and excellent service in every interaction with guests.
Role Overview:
As a waiter or waitress, you will greet guests, take orders, serve food and beverages, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Greet guests and present menus.
Take accurate food and beverage orders.
Serve dishes and drinks in a timely and professional manner.
Check in with guests to ensure satisfaction.
Maintain clean and organized tables and service areas.
Handle payments and process transactions.
Follow all food safety and hygiene standards.
Communicate with kitchen and bar staff to coordinate service.
Qualifications:
Previous experience in food service or hospitality preferred.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting.
Basic knowledge of food and beverage menus.
Ability to stand and walk for long periods.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Why Join Us:
Join a supportive team that values growth, training, and a positive work environment.
Gain valuable experience in hospitality and build strong customer service skills.
Opportunities to take on more responsibility as you grow in your career.
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Waiter and Waitress Job Brief Example
A job brief isa short, engaging summary of a role, highlighting its purpose, impact, and key responsibilities—used to attract candidates. Use this waiter/waitress job brief example and update it for your waiter/waitress job post.
We are looking for a friendly and attentive waiter or waitress to join our team and provide excellent service to our guests. In this role, you will take orders, deliver food and beverages, and ensure each guest enjoys a positive dining experience from start to finish. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, a professional attitude, and the ability to stay organized during busy shifts. You will work closely with the kitchen and service staff to maintain smooth operations and uphold our standards of hospitality.
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Restaurant Waiter Duties
Greet guests and manage casual seating flow
Take orders quickly and enter them into POS
Serve food and drinks in a relaxed, efficient style
Handle multiple tables with fast turnover
Suggest popular menu items and combos
Refill drinks and clear tables promptly
Process payments and split checks as needed
Fine-Dining Waiter Duties
Provide formal, attentive table service
Present menus, explain courses, and recommend pairings
Serve dishes using proper techniques (e.g., silver service)
Maintain precise timing between courses
Handle wine service, including opening and presentation
Monitor guest needs discreetly and professionally
Coordinate with kitchen on multi-course meals
Hotel Waiter Duties
Serve guests in restaurants, lounges, or room service
Take detailed orders for dine-in or in-room dining
Deliver trays or carts to guest rooms with care
Set up and clear buffet areas when required
Assist with events or banquets during peak times
Communicate with front desk and housekeeping when needed
Ensure consistent service across different hotel outlets
Banquet Waiter Duties
Set up tables and dining areas for events
Serve large groups efficiently and in order
Refill drinks and clear plates promptly during service
Assist with buffet stations and plated meal service
Coordinate with event coordinators and kitchen staff
Handle guest requests and special dietary needs
Ensure smooth service for weddings, conferences, and banquets
Waiter and Waitress Qualifications
Previous experience in food service or hospitality preferred
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of food and beverage menus
Basic math and cash handling skills
Professional appearance and positive attitude
Ability to stand, walk, and carry items for long periods
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Commitment to food safety and hygiene standards
Waiter and Waitress Skills
Customer Service: Friendly, attentive, and guest-focused
Communication: Clear and professional with guests and team
Time Management: Efficiently handle multiple tables or tasks
Attention to Detail: Accurate orders, presentation, and service
Teamwork: Collaborate smoothly with kitchen and service staff
Problem-Solving: Handle complaints and unexpected situations calmly
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, and carry items for long periods
Adaptability: Work in fast-paced or changing environments
Menu Knowledge: Familiarity with dishes, drinks, and specials
Upselling: Recommend menu items to enhance guest experience
Waiter and Waitress Career Growth Path
A career as a waiter or waitress offers more than just entry-level experience. With the right skills and dedication, you can progress to senior service roles, management positions, and other opportunities in the hospitality industry.
Entry-Level Waiter/Waitress: Start by learning basic service skills, table management, and guest interaction.
Senior Waiter/Waitress: Take on more responsibility, handle high-profile tables, and mentor new staff.
Head Waiter/Lead Server: Supervise floor staff, coordinate with kitchen, and ensure smooth service.
Assistant Restaurant Manager: Support operations, staff scheduling, and customer satisfaction initiatives.
Restaurant Manager: Oversee entire restaurant operations, manage budgets, and maintain service quality.
Hospitality Roles Beyond Restaurants: Opportunities in hotel food and beverage management, banquet coordination, or catering management.
Tip: Continuous training, strong customer service, and leadership skills can accelerate career advancement in any setting.
By gaining experience, improving customer service skills, and taking on leadership responsibilities, waiters and waitresses can build a rewarding career and advance into higher roles across restaurants, hotels, and catering services.
Waiter and Waitress Work Hours
Typically includes evenings, weekends, and holidays
Shifts can range from part-time (4–6 hours) to full-time (8+ hours)
Flexibility is often required for busy periods or special events
Overtime may be available during peak seasons
Waiter and Waitress Benefits
Tips and gratuities, often a significant portion of income
Paid training and skill development opportunities
Employee meals or discounts at the restaurant
Health insurance and retirement plans (varies by employer)
Opportunities for career advancement and promotions
Team-building activities and a social work environment
Note: Benefits and work schedules can vary depending on the restaurant, hotel, or catering setting.
Waiter and Waitress Related Job Titles
Waiters and waitresses often share skills with several other roles in the hospitality and food service industry. Related job titles include:
Server
Food and Beverage Attendant
Banquet Server
Room Service Attendant
Host / Hostess
Bartender
Catering Assistant
Restaurant Crew Member
Dining Room Attendant
Lead Server / Head Waiter
Waiter and Waitress Pay
Salaries for waiters depend a lot on where you work or hire.
How Pay Varies by State (Selected States)
Average waiter/waitress wages (selected states) — source: BLS (2023)
A waiter or waitress ensures a great dining experience for guests through attentiveness and excellent customer service. They provide detailed menu information, take and deliver orders, and perform various front-of-the-house duties, including processing payments.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a waiter or waitress?
Duties include welcoming and seating guests, taking and relaying orders to the kitchen, memorizing the menu, recommending dishes or drinks, serving food and beverages, checking on guests, handling payments, and maintaining a clean dining area.
What makes a good waiter or waitress?
A good waiter or waitress is friendly, patient, and attentive, with strong interpersonal skills. They can multitask efficiently, pay attention to detail, and make quick decisions when handling guest requests or issues.
Who does a waiter or waitress work with?
Waiters and waitresses collaborate with other servers, kitchen staff, and management. They report to shift leaders or restaurant managers depending on the establishment and often coordinate with food runners or hosts.
What is the difference between a waiter/waitress and a food runner?
Waiters and waitresses interact directly with guests, take orders, serve food, and check on diners. Food runners assist by transporting dishes from the kitchen to tables but do not manage guest interactions or take orders.
What are the big five duties of a waiter?
The big five duties include greeting and seating guests, taking and delivering orders, serving food and beverages, handling payments, and ensuring guest satisfaction.
What is the main responsibility of a server?
The main responsibility of a server is to ensure guests have an enjoyable dining experience by providing attentive, friendly, and efficient service.
What tasks are involved in being a waiter?
Tasks include greeting guests, presenting menus, taking and relaying orders, serving food and drinks, checking on diners, processing payments, and maintaining a clean dining environment.
What are the basic skills of a waiter?
Essential skills include customer service, communication, multitasking, attention to detail, memory, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Do servers really make $2 an hour?
In the U.S., tipped servers may earn a federal minimum cash wage of $2.13 per hour, but tips usually bring their total earnings above the standard minimum wage. Wages vary by state and restaurant.
What are the 5 P's of service in restaurants?
The 5 P’s are promptness, professionalism, politeness, presentation, and personalization to meet guest preferences.
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