Food servers, nonrestaurant
SOC Code: 35-3041
Food servers, nonrestaurant carries a 38% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $34,460 and +3.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 277,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Food servers, nonrestaurant (SOC 35-3041) carries an AI exposure score of 38%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 277,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $34,460, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Food servers, nonrestaurant. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Place food servings on plates or trays according to orders or instructions.
- 2. Clean or sterilize dishes, kitchen utensils, equipment, or facilities.
- 3. Monitor food distribution, ensuring that meals are delivered to the correct recipients and that guidelines, such as those for special diets, are followed.
- 4. Examine trays to ensure that they contain required items.
- 5. Load trays with accessories, such as eating utensils, napkins, or condiments.
- 6. Take food orders and relay orders to kitchens or serving counters so they can be filled.
- 7. Total checks, present them to customers, and accept payment for services.
- 8. Monitor food preparation or serving techniques to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
- 9. Remove trays and stack dishes for return to kitchen after meals are finished.
- 10. Carry food, silverware, or linen on trays or use carts to carry trays.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Time Management
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Food Production
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Food servers, nonrestaurant?
Food servers, nonrestaurant has an AI exposure score of 38%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Food servers, nonrestaurant?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Food servers, nonrestaurant is projected to grow by 3.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 277,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Food servers, nonrestaurant?
Key skills for Food servers, nonrestaurant include Active Listening, Speaking, Service Orientation, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Food servers, nonrestaurant earn?
The median annual wage for Food servers, nonrestaurant is $34,460, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Food servers, nonrestaurant?
The typical entry-level education for Food servers, nonrestaurant is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Food servers, nonrestaurant?
Food servers, nonrestaurant roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).