What They Do
Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment
Employment Impact
2.2M
People employed
44.8M
Estimated global impact (extrapolated from US market data)
AI Impact Overview
Waiters and Waitresses face moderate risk from AI, largely due to automation of routine tasks but continued need for personable service.
Detailed Analysis
Automation technologies such as self-order kiosks and robotic food runners are reducing the need for entry-level servers, but the interpersonal aspects of service, such as customer engagement and resolution of issues, remain difficult for AI to replicate. Higher experience levels are likely to be less at risk as they often involve more complex problem-solving and supervisory duties.
Opportunity
"Your human touch, adaptability, and ability to create memorable experiences make you a valuable asset. By upskilling, you'll be prepared to take on future roles that leverage your unique abilities."
AI Risk Assessment
Risk level varies by experience level
Junior Level
Basic order-taking and repetitive service tasks are most susceptible to automation via kiosks or AI-driven virtual assistants.
Mid-level
Positions that blend routine and supervisory tasks may see some task reduction but can transition to overseeing automated workflows.
Senior Level
Roles involving team leadership, complex guest interactions, and staff management are least likely to be replaced by AI.
AI-Driven Job Forecasts
2 Years
Near-term Outlook
Job Outlook
Employment will remain steady, with some venues introducing basic AI ordering or payment systems. Human presence will still be central.
Transition Strategy
Familiarize yourself with new tech platforms used in your workplace. Request cross-training on automated systems and focus on customer interaction skills.
5 Years
Medium-term Impact
Job Outlook
Wider adoption of AI for ordering, billing, and scheduling. Fewer staff needed for routine tasks; increased focus on hospitality and guest experience.
Transition Strategy
Pursue certifications in hospitality management, customer service, and digital systems. Develop tech literacy to oversee or troubleshoot AI tools.
7+ Years
Long-term Vision
Job Outlook
Significant automation of basic services in chain restaurants and quick service, but experiential and high-end dining require more skilled human roles.
Transition Strategy
Transition into supervisory, event coordination, or customer relations roles. Consider moving into other hospitality or tech-enabled positions.
Industry Trends
Contactless Service Technologies
Accelerates automation and reduces need for servers performing basic tasks.
Eco Friendly and Sustainable Operations
Promotes specialized roles for sustainability ambassadors.
Experiential and Themed Dining
Increases demand for engaging, creative, guest-centric staff.
Growth of Delivery and Ghost Kitchens
Shifts job focus from dine-in to multi-channel fulfillment roles.
Health and Safety Protocols
Necessitates staff trained in sanitation and compliance.
Increased Use of Data Analytics
Highlights roles involving customer insights and improvements.
Integration of Robotics
Redefines some staff roles toward oversight, tech support, and troubleshooting.
Mobile Ordering and Payments
Requires adaptability to app-based systems and troubleshooting.
Personalized Guest Experiences
Elevates human interaction; staff focus more on enhancing guest satisfaction.
Social Media and Brand Engagement
Creates influencer and brand ambassador roles for staff with strong communication skills.
AI-Resistant Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Creative Problem Solving
Alternative Career Paths
Event Coordinator
Plan and execute events with an emphasis on food service, logistics, and experience.
Relevance: Requires high interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
Hospitality Trainer
Trains food service staff on new equipment, food safety, and guest service skills.
Relevance: Applies industry expertise and people skills.
Restaurant Manager
Oversees daily operations, staff, finances, and customer service in restaurants.
Relevance: Leverages leadership and organizational skills acquired as a server.
Emerging AI Tools Tracker
Full AI Impact Report
Access the full AI impact report to get detailed insights and recommendations.
Was this helpful?
Help us improve by rating this occupation analysis
Other Roles in: Food Preparation and Serving Related Category
| 🍟Fast Food and Counter Workers | HIGH | 3.7M73.5M |
| 🍽️Cooks Restaurant | MODERATE | 1.4M28.2M |
| 👩🍳First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | MODERATE | 1.2M23.5M |
| 🔪Food Preparation Workers | HIGH | 879.6K17.6M |
| 🍸Bartenders | MODERATE | 711.1K14.2M |
| 🍔Cooks Fast Food | HIGH | 673.5K13.5M |
| 🍽️Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | MODERATE | 483.4K9.7M |
| 🧼Dishwashers | HIGH | 463.9K9.3M |
| 🥗Cooks Institution and Cafeteria | MODERATE | 435.6K8.7M |
| 🙋Hosts and Hostesses Restaurant Lounge and Coffee Shop | MODERATE | 425K8.5M |
Share This Content
Share this with others who might find it useful.