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Hospitality, Travel, & FoodGrowingBright Outlook

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendant and Bartender Helper

Operational-level

Also known as: Banquet Houseperson, Banquet Set Up Person, Bar Attendant, Bar Back

Hospitality, Travel, & FoodBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.
Food ServiceRestaurant OperationsHospitality ServicesBar SupportHospitalityCustomer ServiceOperations ManagementNutrition

A Day in the Life

You clock in at the bustling downtown hotel restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Your shift starts with setting up the dining room for lunch. You grab your uniform and an apron, then head to your assigned section. First, you meticulously fold a stack of linen napkins, ensuring each is crisp. You then fill several water pitchers, polish silverware using a soft cloth, and stock the side stations with clean plates and glassware. "Morning, Leo, ready for the lunch rush?" you ask a server passing by, already feeling the day's rhythm begin.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade · has a large number of job openings.

Projected growth

+5.3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

95,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

546,600

in 2025 → 575,500 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

This career has a bright outlook, with rapid growth and numerous job openings projected through 2035. About 95,300 positions are expected to open each year, reflecting a projected employment change of +5.3%. The median annual wage for this role is $33,980. With experience, you can advance to roles like a server, bartender, or dining room supervisor.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen Helper
  • Maintenance Assistant

Where it can lead

  • Server
  • Bartender
  • Dining Room Supervisor

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely automate many repetitive tasks such as dishwashing, restocking supplies, and basic table clearing within the next 5-10 years. This could reduce the overall demand for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers, as their roles shift towards more complex problem-solving or enhanced customer interaction. While not entirely replaced, the number of these positions may decrease and their day-to-day responsibilities will evolve.