Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars.
SOC: 35-3041.00
Common Job Titles
Food Service Worker
Room Server
Room Service Server
Tray Server
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onHandle food service trays and utensils while navigating diverse environments such as hotel rooms, hospital rooms, and residential care facilities.
Developing
MindsetRespond to customer requests and dietary preferences with attentiveness and courtesy when serving individuals in non-restaurant settings.
Developing
KnowledgeApply food safety and sanitation protocols when delivering meals to vulnerable populations in healthcare and residential facilities.
Developing
Hands-onOperate food service equipment including beverage dispensers, slicing machines, and warming devices following established safety procedures to prepare and present food items.
Developing
KnowledgeCoordinate meal delivery schedules and service priorities across multiple locations to ensure timely food service.
Developing
MindsetIntegrate social perceptiveness with customer service principles when interacting with patients, guests, and residents with diverse needs.
Developing
KnowledgeMonitor food presentation quality and temperature standards throughout the service process to maintain food quality and safety.
Developing
Hands-onExecute tray setup and meal assembly tasks according to dietary requirements and service specifications.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret dietary orders and special meal requests using knowledge of food production and nutritional guidelines.
Developing
MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary team members to coordinate patient care needs and service delivery in healthcare settings.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
271,780
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $26,590. 25th percentile: U.S. $29,800. 50th percentile: U.S. $34,460. 75th percentile: U.S. $37,550. 90th percentile: U.S. $44,770. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$26,590
10% of workers earn the following or more
$44,770
Workers on average earn
$35,030
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
English Language3.6/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Food Production3.0/5
Administration and Management3.0/5
Education and Training2.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
