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Waitstaff education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, waitstaffs don't need a college education. The most common degree for waitstaffs is bachelor's degree with 40% graduates, with only 29% waitstaff graduates earning high school diploma. Waitstaffs who decided to graduate from college often finish Boston University or University of Rhode Island. Some good skills to have in this position include food service, beverage orders and culinary.

What education do you need to become a waitstaff?

What degree do you need to be a waitstaff?

The most common degree for waitstaffs is bachelor's degree, with 40% of waitstaffs earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are high school diploma degree at 29% and high school diploma degree at 19%.
  • Bachelor's, 40%
  • High School Diploma, 29%
  • Associate, 19%
  • Diploma, 6%
  • Other Degrees, 6%

What should I major in to become a waitstaff?

You should major in business to become a waitstaff. 18% of waitstaffs major in business. Other common majors for a waitstaff include psychology and general studies.

Best majors for waitstaffs

RankMajorPercentages
1Business18.5%
2Psychology9.3%
3General Studies8.2%
4Liberal Arts7.4%
5Criminal Justice6.4%

20 best online courses for waitstaffs

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18. Fun food safety and sanitation course

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19. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System

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20. The Customer: Develop Customer Centric Metrics (BITE SIZE)

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To inspire good customer service behaviour, we must be able to measure customer experiences meaningfully...

Average waitstaff salary by education level

Waitstaffs with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $27,825 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, waitstaffs earn a median annual income of $27,212 compared to $26,318 for waitstaffs with an Associate degree.
Waitstaff education levelWaitstaff salary
Master's Degree$27,825
High School Diploma or Less$25,454
Bachelor's Degree$27,212
Some College/ Associate Degree$26,318

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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