How To Become A Server Assistant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a server assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A server assistant works on a restaurant staff to support the servers. Their role involves preparing tables, bringing out food and drinks, refilling glasses, clearing tables, and assisting customers. This position requires communication and teamwork skills as well as physical endurance. A server assistant does not typically take orders or handle cash transactions, but they play an important role in ensuring the smooth operation of a restaurant by supporting the servers and providing customer service.

ScoreServer AssistantUS Average

Salary

2.0

Avg. Salary $25,654

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.2

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.10%

Asian 7.69%

Black or African American 10.53%

Hispanic or Latino 16.11%

Unknown 5.42%

White 59.15%

Gender

female 40.84%

male 59.16%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

6.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a server assistant?

Pros

Opportunity to make tips
Exposure to diverse clientele
Flexible scheduling
Potential for advancement within the restaurant
Ability to gain valuable experience in hospitality industry

Cons

Difficult customers and complaints
Low base pay rate
Irregular income due to fluctuations in tips
Limited opportunities for creativity or decision-making
High turnover rate in the industry

Key steps to become a server assistant

Explore server assistant education requirements

Most common server assistant degrees

Bachelor's

40.3 %

High School Diploma

32.3 %

Associate

17.8 %

Start to develop specific server assistant skills

Skills	Percentages
Cleanliness	16.38%
Reservations	13.46%
Service Stations	10.22%
Wine	5.85%
Ruby	5.49%

Complete relevant server assistant training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New server assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a server assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real server assistant resumes.

Gain additional server assistant certifications

Server assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific server assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for server assistants include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant.

More About Certifications

Research server assistant duties and responsibilities

Manage event reservations and party requests, inform customers about upcoming events and specials.
Set up chairs, tables, and workstations.
Stock the bar and service areas for bartenders and beverage servers.
Deliver food orders to guests accordingly to five stars five diamonds standards.

Prepare your server assistant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your server assistant resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a server assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable server assistant resume templates

Build a professional server assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your server assistant resume.