SOC 35-3031
Waiters and Waitresses
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ62/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ2,302,690
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$34K
$19K โ $63K
Projected Growth
๐-0.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค31/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Waiters and Waitresses face a risk score of 62/100 โ 18 points above the national average of 44. With only 31/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $34K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 62/100, Waiters and Waitresses faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated food preparation and cooking robotics are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 2,302,690 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill and hospitality and personalized guest experiences to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Waiters and Waitresses?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated food preparation and cooking robotics
Self-ordering kiosks and mobile app displacement
Automated dishwashing and kitchen cleaning systems
AI inventory management and waste reduction
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
Hospitality and personalized guest experiences
Adapting to real-time dietary and allergy requests
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.
Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems.
Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Collect payments from customers.
Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.
๐ป Technology Skills
Instant messaging software
Point of sale POS software
Web page creation and editing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Sales and Marketing
Food Production
Administration and Management
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Administrators, All Other | 21 | $89K | 67% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 62% |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 27 | $37K | 55% |