How to become a Waiter

Also called: Food and Beverage Attendant

Serves food and beverages in a hotel, restaurant, club or dining establishment.

Main tasks

• Sets up tables and arranges seating for customers
• Takes orders from customers for food and beverages
• Provides recommendations and suggestions to customers regarding menu items
• Clears tables and ensures the dining area is clean and presentable
• Handles customer enquiries and resolves issues or complaints
• Takes payment from customers
• Stocks and replenishes supplies and inventory as needed
• Follows health and safety regulations and maintains a clean and hygienic work environment

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622); Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House) (SIT30722); Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT60322); Certificate III in Catering (SIT30921); Certificate IV in Catering Management (SIT40621); Certificate IV in Hospitality (SIT40422); Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT50422); Certificate II in Hospitality (SIT20322)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $69,992 a year
• About 126,500 people work in this job group now, and about 141,100 are projected by 2035. (+11.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Sommelier
• Bar Attendant
• Barista
• Cafe Worker
• Gaming Attendant
• Gaming Dealer or Croupier

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Waiter?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Hospitality; Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House).

How much does a Waiter earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $69,992 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Waiter a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 126,500 to about 141,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Waiter?

Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Hospitality; Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House).

Will AI change the work of a Waiter?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04