What do they do?

Facilitate food service. Clean tables; remove dirty dishes; replace soiled table linens; set tables; replenish supply of clean linens, silverware, glassware, and dishes; supply service bar with food; and serve items such as water, condiments, and coffee to patrons.

Also known as:

Bar Back, Barback, Buffet Attendant, Bus Boy, Bus Person, Busboy, Busser, Dining Room Attendant, Food Service Aide, Food Service Helper, Server Assistant, Server's Assistant, Service Assistant

Typical Wages

Projected Growth Rate

Employment of Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, more slowly than average compared to all occupations.

Projected Employment For All United States

No Data Available
  • 4.2%

    Change

    Select a state to see its job growth rate ranking
    89,100

    Job Openings

    Select a state to see its net job growth ranking

Looking for colleges that offer a specific major? Use the College Match Tool to find your best-matched schools and discover your estimated Net Price!

Education Level

Percent of workers in this field with these degrees:

  • High school diploma equivalent  (42%)
  • Less than high school diploma  (23%)
  • Some college, no degree  (20%)
  • Bachelor's degree  (8%)
  • Associate's degree  (7%)
  • Master's degree  (1%)
  • Doctorate or Professional Degree  (<1%)

Typical College Majors

Most Popular Majors that prepare Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers

★ There are no majors that have graduates with this degree type

People in this career often know a lot about:

  • 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.

People in this career often have talent in:

  • Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

People in this career often do these activities:

  • Operate cash registers.
  • Serve food or beverages.
  • Collect dirty dishes or other tableware.
  • Clean food service areas.
  • Arrange tables or dining areas.
  • Usher patrons to seats or exits.
  • Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
  • Assist customers to ensure comfort or safety.
  • Maintain food, beverage, or equipment inventories.
  • Provide customers with general information or assistance.
  • Stock serving stations or dining areas with food or supplies.
  • Move equipment, supplies or food to required locations.
  • Clean facilities or work areas.
  • Store supplies or goods in kitchens or storage areas.
  • Clean tableware.
  • Add garnishes to food.
  • Arrange food for serving.
  • Clean food preparation areas, facilities, or equipment.
  • Mix ingredients.
  • Cut cooked or raw foods.
  • Stock supplies or merchandise.

This page includes data from:

O*NET OnLine Career data: O*NET 28.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (“USDOL/ETA”). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Logo Occupation statistics: USDOL U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.

College Raptor Loading Screen College Raptor Loading Screen