Fast Food and Counter Workers
35-3023.00
Bright Outlook Updated 2025

The occupation code you requested, 35-3021.00 (Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 35-3023.00 (Fast Food and Counter Workers) instead.

Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages.

Sample of reported job titles: Cafe Server, Cafeteria Server, Cafeteria Worker, Counter Worker, Deli Worker (Delicatessen Worker), Dietary Aide, Food Server, Food Service Worker, Server, Snack Bar Attendant

Also see: Baristas

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
85
 
Core
Accept payment from customers, and make change as necessary.
85
 
Core
Serve customers in eating places that specialize in fast service and inexpensive carry-out food.
84
 
Core
Request and record customer orders, and compute bills, using cash registers, multi-counting machines, or pencil and paper.
83
 
Core
Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.
83
 
Core
Communicate with customers regarding orders, comments, and complaints.
80
 
Core
Serve food, beverages, or desserts to customers in such settings as take-out counters of restaurants or lunchrooms, business or industrial establishments, hotel rooms, and cars.
79
 
Core
Monitor and order supplies or food items, and restock as necessary to maintain inventory.
79
 
Core
Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.
79
 
Core
Brew coffee and tea, and fill containers with requested beverages.
78
 
Core
Clean and organize eating, service, and kitchen areas.
77
 
Core
Prepare daily food items, and cook simple foods and beverages, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, pizza, or coffee, using proper safety precautions and sanitary measures.
76
 
Core
Prepare and serve cold drinks, frozen milk drinks, or desserts, using drink-dispensing, milkshake, or frozen-custard machines.
75
 
Core
Wrap menu items such as sandwiches, hot entrees, and desserts for serving or for takeout.
72
 
Core
Set up dining areas for meals, and clear them following meals.
70
 
Core
Collect and return dirty dishes to the kitchen for washing.
70
 
Core
Scrub and polish counters, steam tables, and other equipment, and clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.
68
 
Core
Deliver orders to kitchens, and pick up and serve food when it is ready.
85
 
Supplemental
Perform personnel activities, such as supervising and training employees.
83
 
Supplemental
Add relishes and garnishes to food orders, according to instructions.
79
 
Supplemental
Distribute food to servers.
79
 
Supplemental
Select food items from serving or storage areas and place them in dishes, on serving trays, or in take-out bags.
74
 
Supplemental
Notify kitchen personnel of shortages or special orders.
72
 
Supplemental
Take customers' orders and write ordered items on tickets, giving ticket stubs to customers when needed to identify filled orders.
71
 
Supplemental
Plan, prepare, and deliver meals to individuals with special dietary needs.
70
 
Supplemental
Replenish foods at serving stations.
70
 
Supplemental
Wash dishes, glassware, and silverware after meals.
64
 
Supplemental
Arrange tables and decorations according to instructions.
Not availableNew
Check and monitor food temperatures while cooking.
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Occupational Requirements

Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceWork Activity
62
 
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
61
 
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
59
 
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
58
 
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
53
 
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
47
 
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
46
 
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
45
 
Performing General Physical Activities — 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.
44
 
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
44
 
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
44
 
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
43
 
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
42
 
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
41
 
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
40
 
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
40
 
Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
39
 
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
38
 
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
37
 
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
36
 
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
35
 
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
35
 
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
33
 
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
33
 
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
32
 
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
31
 
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
30
 
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
30
 
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
27
 
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
27
 
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
26
 
Communicating with People Outside the Organization — 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.
25
 
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
23
 
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
23
 
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
16
 
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
13
 
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
12
 
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — 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.
9
 
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
9
 
Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
8
 
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — 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.
8
 
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Detailed Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

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Work Context Save Table: XLSX CSV

  • Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
    • 89%
      89%
       
      Constant contact with others
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?
    • 86%
      86%
       
      Extremely important
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General — How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?
    • 58%
      58%
       
      Extremely important
    • 28%
      28%
       
      Very important
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Important
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
    • 78%
      78%
       
      Every day
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
    • 73%
      73%
       
      A lot of freedom
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Limited freedom
  • Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?
    • 54%
      54%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 32%
      32%
       
      More than half the time
    • 14%
      14%
       
      About half the time
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams — How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?
    • 62%
      62%
       
      Every day
    • 27%
      27%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
  • Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?
    • 48%
      48%
       
      Very close (near touching)
    • 45%
      45%
       
      Moderately close (at arm's length)
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals — How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?
    • 43%
      43%
       
      A lot of freedom
    • 42%
      42%
       
      Some freedom
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Limited freedom
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?
    • 68%
      68%
       
      Every day
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 19%
      19%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
    • 64%
      64%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 21%
      21%
       
      About half the time
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
    • 50%
      50%
       
      Extremely important
    • 19%
      19%
       
      Very important
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Important
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?
    • 54%
      54%
       
      Extremely important
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Important
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Fairly important
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities — How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?
    • 42%
      42%
       
      Extremely important
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Very important
    • 24%
      24%
       
      Important
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Fairly important
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
    • 25%
      25%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 15%
      15%
       
      More than half the time
    • 57%
      57%
       
      About half the time
  • Spend Time Walking or Running — How much does this job require walking or running?
    • 38%
      38%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 25%
      25%
       
      More than half the time
    • 14%
      14%
       
      About half the time
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Never
  • Frequency of Decision Making — How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
    • 30%
      30%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 24%
      24%
       
      Never
  • Telephone Conversations — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
    • 18%
      18%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Never
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Very high responsibility
    • 29%
      29%
       
      High responsibility
    • 40%
      40%
       
      Moderate responsibility
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Limited responsibility
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
    • 11%
      11%
       
      Very high responsibility
    • 41%
      41%
       
      High responsibility
    • 29%
      29%
       
      Moderate responsibility
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Limited responsibility
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
    • 12%
      12%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 32%
      32%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
    • 29%
      29%
       
      Every day
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 28%
      28%
       
      Never
  • Conflict Situations — How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Every day
    • 42%
      42%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 24%
      24%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 12%
      12%
       
      Never
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
    • 19%
      19%
       
      Minor results
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
    • 31%
      31%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 14%
      14%
       
      More than half the time
    • 16%
      16%
       
      About half the time
    • 39%
      39%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
    • 36%
      36%
       
      Every day
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 34%
      34%
       
      Never
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
    • 30%
      30%
       
      Every day
    • 24%
      24%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 39%
      39%
       
      Never
  • Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
    • 19%
      19%
       
      Extremely competitive
    • 29%
      29%
       
      Moderately competitive
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Slightly competitive
    • 35%
      35%
       
      Not at all competitive
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Continually or almost continually
    • 34%
      34%
       
      About half the time
    • 29%
      29%
       
      Less than half the time
    • 21%
      21%
       
      Never
  • Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Serious
    • 15%
      15%
       
      Fairly serious
    • 35%
      35%
       
      Not serious at all
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?
    • 37%
      37%
       
      Every day
    • 63%
      63%
       
      Never
  • Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?
    • 47%
      47%
       
      Moderately automated
    • 29%
      29%
       
      Slightly automated
    • 17%
      17%
       
      Not at all automated
  • Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
    • 23%
      23%
       
      Every day
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 56%
      56%
       
      Never
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?
    • 27%
      27%
       
      Every day
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
    • 33%
      33%
       
      Every day
    • 65%
      65%
       
      Never
  • Public Speaking — How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?
    • 27%
      27%
       
      Every day
    • 26%
      26%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 47%
      47%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
    • 23%
      23%
       
      Every day
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 62%
      62%
       
      Never
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.
    • 17%
      17%
       
      More than 40 hours
    • 20%
      20%
       
      40 hours
    • 63%
      63%
       
      Less than 40 hours
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?
    • 27%
      27%
       
      Every day
    • 71%
      71%
       
      Never
  • Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?
    • 27%
      27%
       
      Every day
    • 72%
      72%
       
      Never
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
    • 28%
      28%
       
      Important
    • 27%
      27%
       
      Fairly important
    • 38%
      38%
       
      Not important at all
  • E-Mail — How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      Every day
    • 20%
      20%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
    • 22%
      22%
       
      Every day
    • 78%
      78%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
    • 18%
      18%
       
      Every day
    • 74%
      74%
       
      Never
  • Written Letters and Memos — How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a week or more but not every day
    • 68%
      68%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      About half the time
    • 37%
      37%
       
      Less than half the time
    • 46%
      46%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      About half the time
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 80%
      80%
       
      Never
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 79%
      79%
       
      Never
  • Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?
    • 88%
      88%
       
      Regular (established routine, set schedule)
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a month or more but not every week
    • 86%
      86%
       
      Never
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      Once a year or more but not every month
    • 86%
      86%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
    • 99%
      99%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      Never

Experience Requirements

Job Zone Save Table: XLSX CSV

Title
Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed
Education
Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Related Experience
Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations involve following instructions and helping others. Examples include agricultural equipment operators, dishwashers, floor sanders and finishers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, logging equipment operators, baristas, and maids and housekeeping cleaners.
SVP Range
(Below 4.0)

Training & Credentials

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Worker Requirements

Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceSkill
50
 
Active Listening — 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.
50
 
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50
 
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
50
 
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
47
 
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
41
 
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
38
 
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
35
 
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
35
 
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
35
 
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
25
 
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
25
 
Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
25
 
Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
25
 
Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
25
 
Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
25
 
Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
25
 
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
25
 
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
22
 
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
22
 
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
22
 
Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
22
 
Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
19
 
Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
16
 
Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
16
 
Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
13
 
Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
13
 
Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
6
 
Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
3
 
Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
0
 
Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
0
 
Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
0
 
Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
0
 
Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
0
 
Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
0
 
Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceKnowledge
70
 
Customer and Personal Service — 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.
63
 
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
59
 
Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
51
 
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
43
 
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
40
 
Administration and Management — 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.
39
 
Sales and Marketing — 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.
35
 
Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
34
 
Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
33
 
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
32
 
Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
30
 
Foreign Language — 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.
29
 
Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
28
 
Public Safety and Security — 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.
23
 
Engineering and Technology — 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.
20
 
Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
18
 
Psychology — 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.
18
 
Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
15
 
Chemistry — 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.
15
 
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
14
 
Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
13
 
Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
12
 
Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
11
 
Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
10
 
Geography — 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.
10
 
Physics — 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.
9
 
Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
8
 
Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
8
 
Medicine and Dentistry — 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.
8
 
Philosophy and Theology — 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.
7
 
Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
7
 
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
6
 
History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 56%
     
    Less than high school diploma required
  • 24%
     
    High school diploma or equivalent required
  • 17%
     
    Some college, no degree required

Worker Characteristics

Abilities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceAbility
50
 
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
50
 
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
50
 
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
50
 
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
50
 
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
47
 
Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
47
 
Trunk Strength — 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.
44
 
Information Ordering — 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).
44
 
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
41
 
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
41
 
Problem Sensitivity — 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.
41
 
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
38
 
Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
35
 
Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
31
 
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
31
 
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
31
 
Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
28
 
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
28
 
Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
28
 
Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
28
 
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
25
 
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
25
 
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
25
 
Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
25
 
Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
25
 
Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
25
 
Fluency of Ideas — 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).
25
 
Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
25
 
Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
25
 
Multilimb Coordination — 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.
25
 
Originality — 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.
25
 
Perceptual Speed — 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.
25
 
Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
25
 
Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
25
 
Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
25
 
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
22
 
Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
19
 
Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
19
 
Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
19
 
Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
19
 
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
16
 
Response Orientation — 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.
16
 
Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
10
 
Depth Perception — 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.
10
 
Rate Control — 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.
6
 
Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
6
 
Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
3
 
Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
0
 
Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0
 
Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
0
 
Night Vision — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
0
 
Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
65
 
Realistic — 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.
64
 
Conventional — 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.
42
 
Enterprising — 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.
42
 
Social — 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.
7
 
Artistic — 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.
0
 
Investigative — 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 Styles Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImpactWork Style
69
 
Dependability — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
61
 
Cooperation — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
58
 
Social Orientation — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
49
 
Optimism — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
42
 
Attention to Detail — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
42
 
Self-Control — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
41
 
Stress Tolerance — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
39
 
Empathy — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
39
 
Integrity — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
28
 
Sincerity — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
26
 
Humility — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
25
 
Perseverance — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
21
 
Adaptability — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
13
 
Achievement Orientation — 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.
13
 
Initiative — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
11
 
Self-Confidence — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
1
 
Cautiousness — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2024)
$14.65 hourly, $30,480 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2024)
3,796,000 employees
Projected growth (2024-2034)
Faster than average (5% to 6%)
Projected job openings (2024-2034)
904,300
State trends
Top industries (2024)
Accommodation and Food Services (87% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 wage data and 2024-2034 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2024-2034). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

More Information

Related Occupations Save Table: XLSX CSV

Supplemental related occupations

Professional Associations

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

National Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions