What Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Wipe tables or seats with dampened cloths or replace dirty tablecloths"; "Set tables with clean linens, condiments, or other supplies"; "Scrape and stack dirty dishes and carry dishes and other tableware to kitchens for cleaning"; "Clean up spilled food or drink or broken dishes and remove empty bottles and trash"; "Perform serving, cleaning, or stocking duties in establishments, such as cafeterias or dining rooms, to facilitate customer service".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 546,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 575,500 in 2035, an increase of 28,900 jobs (+5.3%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 95,300 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 17.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $33,980, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers earn the most
Across the 18 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $22,038 in Texas to $37,260 in District of Columbia, a gap of $15,222 (1.69 times). 9 of those 18 states average above the BLS national median of $33,980 and 9 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 74,190, which is 13.9% of the 532,730 counted across them. Texas follows with 59,580.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($37,260), New York ($36,528) and California ($36,372) lead the ranking, while Texas ($22,038) and Nevada ($27,946) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 24 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $11,287. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $10,472 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 10 of the 24 markets and falls short in 14. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 40.6% and 107.7% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (35-9000) include Dishwashers and Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop.
Frequently asked questions about Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
How much do Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $33,980. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $22,038 to $37,260.
Which state pays Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $37,260. New York is next at $36,528.
Is Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 95,300 openings a year.
What education do Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $11,287 on a median wage of $37,260.