Waitperson
Serve food and beverages to customers in a hospitality environment.
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
-
5-year projectionSalary
-
Typical salaryJob satisfaction
-
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
-
Typical salaryJob growth
-
5-year projectionJob satisfaction
-
On this page
- What's it like to be a Waitperson?
- How to become a Waitperson
- Latest Waitperson jobs
- Top skills and experience for Waitpeople
- Is Waitperson the right role for you?
- Waitperson role reviews
What's it like to be a Waitperson?
A Waitperson works in restaurants, hotels, motels, convention centres and pubs, in addition to other establishments serving food and beverages.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Taking reservations for customers over the phone, via email or an electronic booking system, in addition to setting and arranging tables using correct linen, cutlery, crockery and glasses.
- Welcoming customers, presenting them with menus and explaining any special items before relaying their order to kitchen and bar staff.
- Serving food and beverages to customers, clearing tables and collecting payment for meals or drinks.
How to become a Waitperson
Formal qualifications aren’t necessary to work as a waitperson, although wait staff with training and/or qualifications tend to be highly regarded within the industry.
- Gain work experience in the field and explore whether you need a responsible service of alcohol (RSA) certificate.
- Investigate travel, tourism and hospitality training pathways such as a Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30616).
- There are many opportunities for wait staff who wish to further their hospitality career, such as becoming a Restaurant Manager or Food and Beverage Manager.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Waitpeople.Latest Waitperson jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Waitperson jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Waitperson employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate
Food and Beverage Services
Hospitality
Customer Service
Ability to Work At A Fast Pace
Resilience
Thoroughness
Communication Skills
Team Work
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
Did you find this helpful?
Latest Waitperson reviews
Mar 2025
Being a waitperson is a fast-paced, physically demanding job that requires multitasking, patience, and the ability to handle pressure while delivering excellent customer service in a constantly changing environment.
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate II in Cookery and Kitchen Operations
Experience5 – 9 years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationHospitality & Tourism
The good thingsBeing a waitress in the hospitality industry offers many benefits. It provides opportunities for social interaction, allowing you to meet new people and form connections. The job is fast-paced, keepin...
The challengesBeing a waitress in the hospitality industry can also come with challenges. The work can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet, often in busy or stressful environments. Dealing wi...
Read more
Jul 2024
My experience as a waitperson has been both rewarding and challenging, balancing customer satisfaction with the demands of a fast-paced environment.
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Business
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationAdministration & Office Support
The good things### Enjoyable Aspects of Being a Waitperson
1. **Interaction with People:** One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a waitperson is the opportunity to interact with a variety of people daily. This...
The challengesIrregular hours can be disruptive to personal life, and the physical strain from long hours on your feet is challenging. Income is inconsistent due to varying tips, and high stress levels during busy ...
Read more
Share insights on your current role.
Help people decide if your job is right for them - it only takes a few minutes.Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
