Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
(SOC 35-3041)

Print Version

Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars.

Sample of reported job titles: Dietary Aide, Food Service Worker, Server, Dietary Assistant, Room Server, Tray Server, Food Server, Food Service Assistant, Room Service Server

Job Responsibilities

• Monitor food distribution, ensuring that meals are delivered to the correct recipients and that guidelines, such as those for special diets, are followed.
• Clean or sterilize dishes, kitchen utensils, equipment, or facilities.
• Examine trays to ensure that they contain required items.
• Place food servings on plates or trays according to orders or instructions.
• Load trays with accessories such as eating utensils, napkins, or condiments.
• Take food orders and relay orders to kitchens or serving counters so they can be filled.
• Stock service stations with items such as ice, napkins, or straws.
• Remove trays and stack dishes for return to kitchen after meals are finished.
• Prepare food items, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, or beverages.
• Monitor food preparation or serving techniques to ensure that proper procedures are followed.

New Hampshire Outlook

• Average Hourly Wage*: $10.37
• Estimated Employment 2010: 1,542
• Projected Employment 2020: 1,868
• Expected 10-Year Growth: 21.1%
• Projected Average Annual Openings: 77

Top industries in NH for this occupation:

• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
• Hospitals
• Accommodation
• Food Services and Drinking Places
• Amusements, Gambling, and Recreation
• Employment Services

Education and Training

These workers usually do not require training beyond a short demonstration. Work activities are normally specific to the establishment in which Food Servers are employed.

Interests (Holland Code): SRE

• Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Career Cluster: Hospitality and Tourism

Work Environment
Food and beverage serving and related workers are employed in restaurants, schools, hospitals, cafeterias, and other dining places. The majority work part time, which often includes early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Additional Information Sources**
US Department of Agriculture, National Agriculture Library
Food Service Associations and Organizations
<fnic.nal.usda.gov/professional-and-career-resources/food-service/food-service-associations-and-organizations>

To Find a Job
Contact the nearest NH Employment Security office or go online to www.nhes.nh.gov

* New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, September 2012. Wage estimates based on surveys through May 2011, adjusted to June 2012.
** Inclusion of this information is intended to provide a convenient resource for research, but in no way constitutes an endorsement for any organization; nor is the list all-inclusive.

Source:
NH Employment Projections, base year 2010 to projected year 2020
Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information:
Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau
(603) 228-4124
elmi@nhes.nh.gov