How To Become A Waiter/Waitress, Captain: What It Is and Career Path

What is a waiter/waitress, captain and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A waiter/waitress, captain works in the food service industry, typically in a restaurant or on a cruise ship. They take orders, serve food and beverages, and ensure customer satisfaction. They must have excellent communication skills, be able to multitask, and work well under pressure. A captain may also oversee the dining room, manage the waitstaff, and coordinate with the kitchen staff. Overall, a waiter/waitress, captain aims to provide an enjoyable dining experience.

ScoreWaiter/Waitress, CaptainUS Average

Salary

2.0

Avg. Salary $25,863

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.1

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.68%

Asian 5.59%

Black or African American 10.13%

Hispanic or Latino 21.70%

Unknown 4.65%

White 57.25%

Gender

female 87.21%

male 12.79%

Age - 34

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 - 34

Stress level

9.1

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.0

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a waiter/waitress, captain?

Pros

Opportunity to earn good tips
Flexible work schedules
Opportunities for advancement
Free or discounted meals
Opportunities for creativity in daily tasks

Cons

May have to deal with rude or difficult customers
High-stress work environment
Low base pay
Dependence on tips for income
Working nights, weekends, and holidays

Key steps to become a waiter/waitress, captain

Explore waiter/waitress, captain education requirements

Most common waiter/waitress, captain degrees

Bachelor's

56.0 %

High School Diploma

20.0 %

Associate

12.0 %

Start to develop specific waiter/waitress, captain skills

Skills	Percentages
Wine	93.89%
Sale System	6.11%

Complete relevant waiter/waitress, captain training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New waiter/waitresses, captain 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 waiter/waitress, captain based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real waiter/waitress, captain resumes.

Research waiter/waitress, captain duties and responsibilities

Set up, work in, and manage the private room events as both bartender and waiter.
Compose the wine list and order wine to be sell in the restaurant.
Develop relationships with regular patrons; develop an understanding of their personal needs and expectations, including preferences and food allergies.
Service of drinks, cocktails and food in a busy, members only VIP environment.

Prepare your waiter/waitress, captain resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your waiter/waitress, captain resume.

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