Restaurant Jobs in the United States

Restaurant Jobs Overview

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that food service jobs will grow by 9% over the next 10 years. That’s faster than many other jobs. You might be looking at restaurant jobs to find something for the summer or on a part-time basis, or you may be thinking of a career in the restaurant business.

The typical restaurant has many types of jobs. If you’re interested in being the top dog and overseeing all aspects of restaurant operations, look for restaurant manager jobs. Roles inside the kitchen or on the floor of a restaurant include:

• Chef: Culinary expert creating and preparing a variety of delicious and visually appealing dishes while supervising the kitchen staff and maintaining quality standards.
• Pastry chef: Specializes in creating delectable desserts, pastries, and baked goods, demonstrating skills in pastry techniques, flavor combinations, and artistic presentation.
• Sous chef: Assists the head chef in managing the kitchen, coordinating food preparation, maintaining inventory, and ensuring consistent quality and timely execution of dishes.
• Dishwasher: Maintains cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen, washing and organizing dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment, and supporting the kitchen staff as needed.
• Server: Provides friendly and efficient service to restaurant guests, taking orders, delivering food and beverage, and ensuring an enjoyable dining experience.
• Bartender: Skilled in mixing and serving a wide range of beverages while engaging with customers, taking orders, and creating a welcoming atmosphere at the bar.
• Busser: Supports the dining experience by clearing and setting tables, refilling water glasses, assisting servers, and maintaining cleanliness and organization in the dining area.

How Much Do Jobs in Restaurants Pay?

Restaurant pay varies by job. According to Monster, the median pay for a general food service job in the U.S. is $11.64 per hour within a range from $9.79 to $14.85. Here are the average wages for other common restaurant jobs:

• Server - $11.37 per hour
• Cashier/Host - $21,823 yearly
• Busser - $11.19 per hour
• Bartender - $11.49 per hour
• Cook - $13.23 per hour
• Chef - $43,512 yearly
• Restaurant manager - $43,530 yearly

Restaurant employees who work on the floor bolster their earnings by also getting tips and often share them with kitchen staff. Use Monster’s Salary Tools to learn what salary to expect in restaurant jobs around the country.

How to Find the Restaurant Job That Fits You

When exploring restaurant jobs, it’s important to understand that each role may require specific skills, qualifications, and experience. Even if you have your sights set on a particular job, taking the time to assess your own abilities and goals, as well as carefully reading the job description, is crucial in finding the right fit.

• Research different types of restaurant jobs to discover which appeal to you the most.
• Consider internships or entry-level positions to gain practical experience and learn about various roles within a restaurant.

Assess Your Skills and Qualifications for Restaurant Jobs

Take an inventory of your strengths, weakness, and relevant experience. Consider your culinary skills, communication abilities, leadership potential, and any specific certifications or training you possess to help you understand which roles you’re best suited for. So, for example, if you excel in pastry making, pursuing a job as a pastry chef or baker might be a perfect fit.

Determine Your Career Goals

By reflecting on your long-term aspirations and understanding your goals, your job search will go smoother. For example, ask yourself:

• Am I passionate about a specific culinary niche?
• Do I see myself climbing the ladder of management in the restaurant industry?
• Do I want to remain in this industry long-term or cross into another industry at some point?

Read the Job Description and Research the Employer

Carefully examine the requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications listed in each job description and compare them to your background. Then, research the restaurant or chain online to learn about things like:

• the number of restaurants they operate
• if they offer employee benefits
• when they first opened

Lastly, consider visiting the restaurant in person and having a meal there to have your own client perspective and gather precious information for your application and interview.

How to Apply to Restaurant Jobs

Land the restaurant job of your dreams, that satisfies your passion for food and hospitality, by using a strategic approach and tailoring your job application.

What Makes a Good Resume for Jobs in Restaurants?

Crafting an attention-grabbing resume is essential when applying for restaurant jobs. Here are some tips to help you make a strong impression:

• Emphasize your experience in the restaurant industry and include specific achievements. When possible, use numbers to quantify your accomplishments. For example: “Implemented new inventory management system, reducing food waste by 15% and saving 5,000% annually” or “Served an average of 100 guests per shift with 95% positive customer feedback”.
• Showcase your skills and include any culinary training, certifications, or courses related to the restaurant industry. For example: “Certified in Food Safety and Sanitation by the National Restaurant Association”.
• Don’t know where to start writing your resume? Choose one of Monster’s food service resume examples and edit it with your information. For extra help, check out Monster’s Professional Resume Writing Services for expert support.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

With your cover letter you can demonstrate your genuine interest in working in the restaurant industry and showcase your personality. Consider the following tips and read Monster’s food service cover letter examples for more advice and ideas.

• Show passion and express your love for food, hospitality, and providing exceptional service. For example: “From savoring exotic flavors during my travels to experimenting with recipes in my own kitchen, my passion for the culinary arts has been a lifelong journey”.
• Customize your letter for each application by mentioning specific aspects of the restaurant, such as its cuisine, ambiance, or values. For example: “I am particularly drawn to your restaurant’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and creating innovative farm-to-table dishes”.
• Connect your skills and experiences to the job requirements and explain how they can contribute to the restaurant’s success. For example: “My ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, combined with my extensive knowledge of wine pairing, would allow me to excel as a server at your fine dining establishment”.

Submit Your Application

Get a seat at the table with help from Monster.

• Become a VIP candidate for restaurant jobs by signing up on Monster for free.
• Complete your profile with up to five resumes for jobs at restaurants to share with recruiters and hiring managers looking for great employees.
• Activate the notifications for an express service where we send new job postings and career advice straight to your inbox.
• Browse our job board and click on “Apply” to upload your application material. Make sure to send a resume and cover letter optimized for the role.

How to Follow Up on Your Job Applications

If you are truly committed to getting the job and haven’t heard back about your application, consider following up with the employer.

• First, check if the job posting mentions specific follow-up instructions you should adhere to. If not, wait at least a week or two after submitting your application to give the employer ample time to review and shortlist candidates.
• When following up, be professional, courteous, and concise. Depending on the employer and restaurant job you applied for, decide if you want to reach out via email, phone, or in person.
• If the job posting provides a specific contact person, direct your follow-up communication to them. If not, reach out to the HR department or use the generic contact information provided on the restaurant’s website.

Interviewing for Jobs at Restaurants

While you can never be certain of the exact questions the hiring manager will ask you during an interview, you can prepare for common interview topics.

How to Prepare for Your Restaurant Job Interviews

To present yourself as a strong candidate and make a lasting impression, consider the following when preparing for your job interview.

• If you haven’t already done it, gain knowledge about the restaurant’s cuisine, atmosphere, values, menu, reviews, and any recent news. This will allow you to make genuine comments about the establishment and demonstrate that you took the time to do your research. For example: “I noticed that your restaurant specializes in farm-to-table dining, and I appreciate your commitment to using locally sourced ingredients to create your innovative dishes.”
• Depending on the job, on top of practicing answering common questions, remember to prepare for any practical aspect of your interview as well. For example, if your interview is for a restaurant job like chef or baker, you most likely will have to cook a few dishes to prove your talent.

Common Interview Questions for Restaurant Jobs

Here are some common interview questions you may encounter when interviewing for jobs in restaurants:

• How do you handle customer complaints or a difficult situation?
• What steps do you take to ensure food safety and hygiene?
• Can you give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service?
• How do you handle stress and pressure during busy shifts?
• Describe your approach to working in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Following Up After Your Job Interviews

Within 24 to 48 hours of your job interview send a personalized thank-you email to communicate your appreciation for the opportunity and continued interest. Keep your communication professional and concise, mention specific points discussed during the interview and reinforce your qualifications. If after a reasonable amount of time you haven’t received any news, consider following up with another brief message to ask about your application.

What to Do When You Get an Offer for a Restaurant Job?

Respond promptly, possibly within 24 to 48 hours, to acknowledge the offer even if you aren’t ready to accept. Before you do accept the job offer, consider doing the following:

• Seek clarity on important details such as scheduling, job responsibilities, training, and advancement opportunities.
• Evaluate salary and benefits and, if you want to negotiate, research industry standards and be prepared to articulate why you deserve a higher salary of specific benefits.
• Review the contract paying particular attention to terms, conditions, and non-compete clauses.
• If you decide not to accept the offer, communicate your decision in a professional and timely manner.

Career Paths for Jobs in Restaurants

Most restaurants train you on the job. If you work as a server or hostess, you’ll work with an experienced employee until you’re ready to be on your own. Some bartenders start work as barbacks and learn how to mix drinks over time. You can also take classes to get a jump on a bartender job. But if you want to be a chef, especially at a fine dining establishment, you’ll need some outside training at a culinary school.

Career paths for jobs in restaurants can vary based on individual interests, skills, and opportunities. Many professionals in the restaurant industry gain experience in different roles and work their way up through a combination of hands-on experience and continuous learning.

For example, a line cook’s career growth may involve moving up to a sous chef, head chef, or kitchen manager. A restaurant manager can become a regional manager or a consultant providing services to help restaurants improve operations and profitability.

Similar Occupations

Take a look at all the food service jobs on Monster. You can then narrow it down to jobs such as:

• Cook
• Server
• Hostess