Dining Room & Cafeteria Attendant & Bartender Helper Salary 2025: $33,980 Median
The median annual wage for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers is $33,980, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to about $16 per hour. The typical range runs from $21,300 at the 10th percentile to $46,570 at the 90th. It's an entry-level role that can be a stepping stone into the food-service industry.
How much Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers earn
Nationally, the mean salary is $34,230, or roughly $16.46 an hour. The bottom 10% earn less than $21,300 — often part-time or tipped roles — while the top 10% bring in over $46,570. Pay depends on establishment type, location, and experience.
Attendants in full-service restaurants may earn more than those in cafeterias, partly due to tip sharing. Bartender helpers often receive a portion of tips, which can boost take-home pay above the base wage.
Pay by state
Hawaii pays the most, with a median of $51,200. Washington ($41,420), D.C. ($39,080), Maine ($38,560), and Maryland ($37,020) round out the top five. The lowest-paying states are Mississippi ($23,180), Alabama ($22,470), and Texas ($21,550). Cost of living partly explains the gaps — but the difference between Hawaii and Texas is nearly $30,000.
How to become Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper
No formal education is required beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Most training happens on the job, usually over a few days or weeks. Employers look for reliability, a willingness to work flexible hours (nights, weekends, holidays), and basic customer-service skills.
- No degree or certification needed.
- On-the-job training, typically a few days.
- Employers may require a food handler's card (varies by state/city).
- Experience in any restaurant role is helpful but not required.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 6.3% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 99,600 openings each year, mostly due to workers leaving the industry. There were 542,750 jobs in 2024. Growth is driven by continued demand for dining out, though automation (self-serve kiosks, tablet ordering) may slow demand in some settings.
Frequently asked questions
What do dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers do?
They clean tables, replenish supplies, assist bartenders, and help maintain the dining area. Some also bus tables or stock glassware.
Do bartender helpers get tips?
Often yes. Many share tips with the bartender or receive a portion of pooled tips. Tip income varies by establishment.
Is this a good career for someone without a degree?
Yes. It's one of the few roles that requires no formal education and offers on-the-job training. Advancement to server, bartender, or supervisor is possible.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers data.