September 12, 2008

Waitress/Waiter

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Pay: The 29,080 restaurant waiters and waitresses in the Seattle-Tacoma- Bellevue area earned a median $13.42 an hour, or $27,910 a year (including tips), in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half earned between $11.26 and $15.16 an hour. And about half of all waiters and waitresses work part-time.

The job: Waiters take customers' orders, serve food and beverages, prepare itemized checks and sometimes accept payment. Their specific duties vary considerably, depending on the establishment.

Such workers are on their feet most of the time and often carry heavy trays of food, dishes and glassware. During busy periods, they are under pressure to serve customers quickly.

Many restaurant employees work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Those who exhibit excellent personal qualities — a neat, clean appearance, a well-spoken manner, an ability to work as a part of a team, and a pleasant way with patrons — will be highly sought after.

Demand: Job opportunities should be excellent, but competition is keen at upscale restaurants, where tips — a major portion of earnings — are usually highest.

Training: All new employees receive some training from their employer, but most pick up their skills by observing and working with more experienced colleagues.

Licensing: A county food-worker permit is required. It can be obtained by taking a class and passing a written test, all of which usually takes 1 ½ hours. Information: Go to www.metrokc.gov/health/ and scroll down to "Food Safety."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.stats.bls.gov/oco

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