How to Become a Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper in 2026
Median salary: $32,670 · +6.3% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper do?
Facilitate food service. Clean tables; remove dirty dishes; replace soiled table linens; set tables; replenish supply of clean linens, silverware, glassware, and dishes; supply service bar with food; and serve items such as water, condiments, and coffee to patrons.
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers is $32,670. The bottom 10% earn around $22,260 while the top 10% earn over $46,380.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $22,260 |
| Early career (P25) | $27,830 |
| Median | $32,670 |
| Experienced (P75) | $36,880 |
| Top earners (P90) | $46,380 |
Highest-paying metros
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaiitop | $47,190 |
| Washington | $38,800 |
| District of Columbia | $38,160 |
| Maine | $37,470 |
| Vermont | $36,920 |
| New York | $36,780 |
| Arizona | $35,870 |
| California | $35,790 |
| Maryland | $35,590 |
| Colorado | $35,550 |
| Massachusetts | $34,550 |
| Connecticut | $33,900 |
| Oregon | $33,420 |
| New Jersey | $32,670 |
| North Dakota | $32,510 |
| Virginia | $31,300 |
| Florida | $30,490 |
| Rhode Island | $30,020 |
| Michigan | $29,950 |
| Nebraska | $29,690 |
| Illinois | $29,490 |
| Tennessee | $29,310 |
| Delaware | $29,280 |
| Minnesota | $28,980 |
| New Mexico | $28,970 |
| Georgia | $28,770 |
| Pennsylvania | $28,650 |
| South Dakota | $28,640 |
| Alaska | $28,600 |
| Montana | $28,590 |
| Indiana | $28,550 |
| Missouri | $28,470 |
| Idaho | $28,420 |
| Kansas | $28,320 |
| Ohio | $28,170 |
| Utah | $27,760 |
| Kentucky | $27,450 |
| Louisiana | $27,260 |
| Arkansas | $27,100 |
| Oklahoma | $26,890 |
| Texas | $26,800 |
| Iowa | $26,710 |
| West Virginia | $26,700 |
| North Carolina | $26,300 |
| Nevada | $26,260 |
| Wisconsin | $26,260 |
| South Carolina | $24,840 |
| New Hampshire | $24,040 |
| Alabama | $22,290 |
| Wyoming | $22,080 |
| Mississippi | $21,860 |
How to earn more as a Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper
The salary range for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers spans $24,120 — from $22,260 at entry level to $46,380 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Kahului-Wailuku, HI at $52,980 — $20,310 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: No formal educational credential
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (ServSafe, food handler certification, ACF certification)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Many restaurants offer paid training for entry-level positions. Culinary schools and community college culinary programs provide more structured education (6 months–2 years). ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification ($36 exam) is required in many jurisdictions. Consider starting as a line cook or prep cook and working your way up — many successful chefs followed this path.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (ServSafe, food handler certification, ACF certification)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Restaurant work values hustle, consistency, and the ability to work under pressure — skills that transfer from many other careers. If you've worked in any fast-paced, customer-facing environment, you have relevant experience. Many restaurants will hire motivated career changers and train them from scratch. Starting in a support role (prep cook, line cook) and working up is a time-tested path.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
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The Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper role has a low AI exposure score — one of the safer careers from automation. Most day-to-day tasks require human judgment, physical presence, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot replicate.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper.
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SOC: 35-9011.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034