Miscellaneous food preparation and serving related workers, including dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.
Tasks
Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.
- Run cash registers.88
- Serve ice water, coffee, rolls, or butter to patrons.88
- Scrape and stack dirty dishes and carry dishes and other tableware to kitchens for cleaning.88
- Wipe tables or seats with dampened cloths or replace dirty tablecloths.88
- Set tables with clean linens, condiments, or other supplies.87
- Greet and seat customers.86
- Clean up spilled food or drink or broken dishes and remove empty bottles and trash.86
- Maintain adequate supplies of items, such as clean linens, silverware, glassware, dishes, or trays.85
- Locate items requested by customers.84
- Fill beverage or ice dispensers.84
- Carry food, dishes, trays, or silverware from kitchens or supply departments to serving counters.82
- Perform serving, cleaning, or stocking duties in establishments, such as cafeterias or dining rooms, to facilitate customer service.82
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- Carry trays from food counters to tables for cafeteria patrons.80
- Replenish supplies of food or equipment at steam tables or service bars.80
- Stock cabinets or serving areas with condiments and refill condiment containers.77
- Wash glasses or other serving equipment at bars.77
- Serve food to customers when waiters or waitresses need assistance.76
- Carry linens to or from laundry areas.75
- Garnish foods and position them on tables to make them visible and accessible.74
- Clean and polish counters, shelves, walls, furniture, or equipment in food service areas or other areas of restaurants and mop or vacuum floors.72
- Mix and prepare flavors for mixed drinks.65
- Slice and pit fruit used to garnish drinks.65
- Stock refrigerating units with wines or bottled beer or replace empty beer kegs.56
- Prepare food, such as sandwiches, for customers.—
Skills
Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.
- Active Listening50
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Monitoring47
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Speaking47
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking44
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension35
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Management of Personnel Resources31
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
- Time Management31
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Active Learning28
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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- Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Complex Problem Solving25
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Instructing25
Teaching others how to do something.
- Learning Strategies25
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Management of Financial Resources25
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
- Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
- Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
- Persuasion25
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Quality Control Analysis25
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Writing25
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Mathematics22
Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Operation and Control19
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Operations Analysis3
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
- Programming3
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- Technology Design3
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
- Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Knowledge
Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.
- Customer and Personal Service84
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.
- English Language56
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
- Food Production56
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
- Sales and Marketing51
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Administration and Management44
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Personnel and Human Resources39
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- Public Safety and Security33
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Production and Processing30
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Education and Training27
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Psychology26
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Administrative25
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
- Computers and Electronics25
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- Transportation23
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Communications and Media22
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Economics and Accounting21
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
- Law and Government21
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Mathematics20
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Sociology and Anthropology18
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
- Foreign Language16
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
- Medicine and Dentistry14
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Chemistry12
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- Mechanical12
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Philosophy and Theology10
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
- Telecommunications10
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Geography8
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Physics8
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
- Therapy and Counseling8
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
- Design6
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Biology4
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Engineering and Technology4
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- History and Archeology3
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
- Building and Construction1
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Abilities
Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.
- Trunk Strength63
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.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness53
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Stamina53
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
- Extent Flexibility50
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- Information Ordering50
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Near Vision50
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Comprehension50
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Static Strength50
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
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- Dynamic Strength47
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
- Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
- Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Multilimb Coordination47
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
- Deductive Reasoning41
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Gross Body Coordination41
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
- Category Flexibility38
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Inductive Reasoning38
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Problem Sensitivity38
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Selective Attention35
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Gross Body Equilibrium31
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
- Time Sharing31
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
- Visualization31
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
- Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
- Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
- Written Comprehension28
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
- Flexibility of Closure25
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
- Fluency of Ideas25
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
- Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
- Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
- Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
- Originality25
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
- Perceptual Speed25
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
- Written Expression25
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Dynamic Flexibility22
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- Speed of Closure22
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
- Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
- Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
- Response Orientation19
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
- Explosive Strength13
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
- Spatial Orientation13
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
- Reaction Time10
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
- Peripheral Vision3
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
- Rate Control3
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
- Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
- Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
- Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates73
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public72
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships68
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Getting Information60
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Assisting and Caring for Others59
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events57
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others57
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Developing and Building Teams54
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Scheduling Work and Activities53
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Training and Teaching Others53
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others52
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People51
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems51
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work51
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Working with Computers51
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Thinking Creatively50
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Coaching and Developing Others48
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Handling and Moving Objects47
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings47
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Processing Information47
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies46
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge44
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Selling or Influencing Others42
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information41
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials41
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Performing General Physical Activities41
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates39
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources39
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others38
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards37
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analyzing Data or Information36
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization36
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Documenting/Recording Information36
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Staffing Organizational Units35
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
- Controlling Machines and Processes34
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment34
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others32
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment29
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Performing Administrative Activities26
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment25
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment21
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Work Styles
Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.
- Cooperation71
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
- Dependability69
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
- Social Orientation49
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
- Optimism45
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
- Attention to Detail43
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
- Self-Control36
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
- Stress Tolerance34
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
- Humility28
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
- Sincerity23
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
- Adaptability21
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
- Integrity21
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
- Empathy20
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
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- Perseverance13
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
- Initiative12
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
- Achievement Orientation10
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
- Cautiousness6
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
- Self-Confidence5
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Interests (RIASEC)
Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.
- Realistic77
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
- Conventional60
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
- Social44
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
- Enterprising21
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
- Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
- Investigative0
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Work Context
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually88%
- More than half the time11%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually84%
- More than half the time16%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others80%
- Contact with others most of the time16%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important71%
- Very important20%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually80%
- More than half the time11%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day69%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)53%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)36%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)11%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time23%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important61%
- Important16%
- Not important at all15%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important27%
- Important24%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day67%
- Never29%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time23%
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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Moderate results22%
- Minor results25%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day54%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Never26%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day57%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never26%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility28%
- Limited responsibility18%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day47%
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
- Never18%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom28%
- Limited freedom45%
- Very little freedom18%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom42%
- Limited freedom15%
- Very little freedom39%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week54%
- Never18%
Time Pressure
- Every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive20%
- Moderately competitive28%
- Slightly competitive35%
- Not at all competitive13%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important16%
- Important54%
- Not important at all19%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility23%
- Moderate responsibility18%
- Limited responsibility34%
- No responsibility15%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Never20%
Public Speaking
- Every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never46%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time18%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours71%
- Less than 40 hours23%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day22%
- Never62%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important20%
- Important14%
- Fairly important17%
Work Schedules
- Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)15%
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)30%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)55%
Consequence of Error
- Serious11%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day22%
- Never78%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day18%
- Never76%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time57%
- Never35%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Never70%
E-Mail
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Never61%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day16%
- Never79%
Degree of Automation
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day16%
- Never80%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important23%
- Not important at all68%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never71%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never85%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never80%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time26%
- Never73%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never92%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never92%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never96%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never99%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never96%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never96%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Typical Education Levels Reported
Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Less than high school diploma
- Post-secondary certificate
Technology Skills
Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Point of sale POS software
Cafe Cartel Systems, Plexis Software Plexis POS, RestaurantPlus PRO
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook
Professional Associations
Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.
Related Occupations
Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Waiters and Waitresses
- Food Preparation Workers
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Dishwashers
- Maids and housekeeping cleaners
- Bartenders
- Cooks
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
- Food Service Managers
- Miscellaneous Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers
- Cooks
- Cooks
- Cooks
- Baggage Porters, Bellhops, and Concierges
- Cooks
- Chefs and Head Cooks
- Cashiers
Detailed Work Activities
More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.
- Serve food or beverages.
- Clean food service areas.
- Collect dirty dishes or other tableware.
- Operate cash registers.
- Arrange tables or dining areas.
- Assist customers to ensure comfort or safety.
- Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
- Usher patrons to seats or exits.
- Maintain food, beverage, or equipment inventories.
- Stock serving stations or dining areas with food or supplies.
- Provide customers with general information or assistance.
- Move equipment, supplies or food to required locations.
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- Store supplies or goods in kitchens or storage areas.
- Clean facilities or work areas.
- Clean tableware.
- Add garnishes to food.
- Arrange food for serving.
- Clean food preparation areas, facilities, or equipment.
- Cut cooked or raw foods.
- Mix ingredients.
Apprenticeship Occupations
Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.
- Cook, Chief
This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology