9/26/2023
Thinking about seeking employment in the restaurant industry? Whether you want to enter this sector, or simply understand the financial aspects of these roles, there are ways to find out how much dishwashers and servers earn in the United States.
These employees perform essential functions in restaurants and other dining establishments, and their incomes can vary based on a number of factors.
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How much do dishwashers make in the United States?
Dishwashers are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, washing dishes, utensils and equipment, and ensuring a sanitary environment. While their role may seem entry-level, they play a crucial part in the efficient operation of a restaurant.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for dishwashers in the United States is about $29,560.
However, it is important to keep in mind that dishwasher salaries can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, years of experience and the type of establishment in which they work.
When examining salary figures from different sources, we found some variations. According to websites such as Indeed, Talent, Zippia and Salary, dishwasher salaries range from approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per year.
What do waiters in the U.S. get paid?
Waiters are responsible for taking orders, serving food and beverages, and providing excellent customer service. They play a vital role in ensuring a pleasant dining experience for customers.
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for waiters in the United States is approximately $33,000.
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However, it is important to keep in mind that wait staff wages often rely heavily on tips, which can have a significant impact on their overall earnings.
To better understand the earnings of service personnel, it is important to consider tips. According to various sources, these employees earn an average hourly wage of around $10 to $15. However, tips significantly supplement their income, and some people earn much more than their base salary.
Factors affecting earnings
Earnings for dishwashers and waiters can vary depending on the cost of living in different regions. For example, cities with higher costs of living may offer higher wages to compensate.
In addition, establishments in areas with a thriving food service industry often provide better earnings opportunities.
On the other hand, both dishwashers and wait staff can increase their earning potential through experience and skill development by accessing higher-paying positions or establishments with greater tipping potential.
Tips to improve earnings
To maximize their earnings, dishwashers and wait staff can:
Seek advancement opportunities.
Dishwashers can explore growth opportunities within the kitchen, such as becoming a prep cook or line cook. Waiters, meanwhile, might aspire to supervisory roles or work in higher-end establishments that offer higher tips.
Provide excellent customer service
By providing exceptional service, service personnel can increase their chances of receiving higher tips and potentially attract repeat customers who tip consistently.
Improve job skills
Both dishwashers and servers can improve their skills by attending workshops or training programs related to their roles. Additional skills could make individuals more valuable and potentially lead to higher wages.
Keep up-to-date on industry trends.
Keeping abreast of the latest trends and developments in the foodservice industry can help individuals identify emerging opportunities and stay competitive in their roles.
You see, earnings for dishwashers and servers in the United States vary based on a variety of factors. However, we have to be realistic and indicate that these are two of the lowest paying jobs, although they also require less training than most.
At Busconómico we have also analyzed the salaries of other professionals in the U.S., such as doctors, police officers and engineers, so that you can consult them and keep up to date with the country's job market.
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