Fast Food and Counter Workers
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.
SOC: 35-3023.00
Common Job Titles
Cafe ServerCafeteria ServerFood Service AssistantFood Service Worker
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onCoordinate multiple orders and service tasks while maintaining speed and accuracy during peak business hours.Proficient
- MindsetEngage customers to accurately fulfill food and beverage orders at counter or drive-through service points in fast-paced environments.Developing
- KnowledgeApply customer service protocols and food safety procedures when handling orders, payment processing, and food preparation.Developing
- Hands-onOperate point of sale systems and cash registers to process transactions accurately including cash, credit, and barcode scanning.Developing
- Hands-onPerform food preparation tasks using commercial kitchen equipment including fryers, grills, blenders, and microwaves following standardized recipes.Developing
- KnowledgeCompute order totals and cash transactions using basic mathematics to provide accurate change and balance registers.Developing
- MindsetRespond to customer inquiries and concerns about menu items and orders with courtesy and attentiveness during high-volume service periods.Developing
- KnowledgeApply food production and safety standards when preparing, assembling, and serving items from steam tables or service counters.Developing
- KnowledgeMonitor food inventory levels and equipment operation to ensure adequate supplies and identify needs for restocking or maintenance.Developing
- MindsetParticipate in team coordination and communication with kitchen and service staff to maintain workflow efficiency and resolve service issues.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Fast Food and Counter Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,780,930
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $22,620 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $38,800 |
| Workers on average earn | $31,350 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Food Production4.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.9/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Sales and Marketing3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
FacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Windows
Technology Skills
Aldelo Systems Aldelo for Restaurants ProCompris softwareFoodman Home-DeliveryIntuit QuickBooks Point of SaleMICROS Systems HSI Profits SeriesMenu and nutrition database softwareNCR Advanced Checkout SolutionNCR NeighborhoodPOS
Tools & Equipment
Automatic dicersAutomatic peelersAutomatic slicersBarcode scannersBlendersBroilersCan openersCappuccino makers