Also called: waiter, waitress, waitstaff
What a server does
Servers are the face of the restaurant for every guest who sits down. They greet tables, explain the menu, take accurate orders, coordinate with the kitchen and bar, and close out payment. A good server reads the table, suggests the right dish, catches problems early, and keeps the pace of the meal comfortable. This role fits restaurants of any size, from a neighborhood cafe to a high-volume dinner house, and it rewards people who stay calm when the floor gets loud.
Pay snapshot: the BLS reports a national median of $16.94/hr for waiters and waitresses, and $18.88/hr in the Boston metro. See the full salary breakdown.
Responsibilities
- Greet guests within a minute or two of seating and set the tone for the visit
- Present the menu, specials, and 86'd items accurately
- Answer questions about ingredients, preparation, and allergens, and flag allergy orders to the kitchen
- Enter orders into the POS correctly, including modifiers and course timing
- Run food and drinks to tables and confirm each plate matches the ticket
- Check back after the first bites and refill drinks before glasses are empty
- Suggest appetizers, sides, desserts, and drink pairings without pushing
- Present checks, process payments, and split bills when asked
- Resolve guest complaints quickly and bring in a manager when needed
- Reset tables, restock station supplies, and help teammates during rushes
Requirements
- Previous serving experience preferred, though many places will train a strong newcomer
- Ability to carry trays and stand and walk for a full shift
- Comfort using a touchscreen POS and handling cash and cards
- State alcohol-server training such as TIPS is often required to serve alcohol
- Minimum age to serve alcohol where state law requires it
- Food handler card or food safety training where required locally
Skills
- Clear, friendly table talk
- Menu and allergen knowledge
- Order accuracy
- Section and table management
- Multitasking under pressure
- Upselling with good judgment
- Teamwork with kitchen, bar, and support staff
Schedule
Most servers work shifts of four to eight hours, split across lunch, dinner, and weekends, with the busiest and best-tipped shifts on Friday and Saturday nights.
Server job posting template
Copy this, replace the bracketed parts, and post it.
Server at [Restaurant Name], [City] About us [Restaurant Name] is a [cuisine/concept] restaurant in [City] known for [signature dish or atmosphere]. We are growing our front-of-house team and want people who enjoy making guests feel taken care of. What you will do - Greet and serve guests in your section - Know the menu, specials, and allergens - Enter orders accurately and run food promptly - Keep your tables clean, stocked, and happy - Work as a team with the kitchen, bar, and support staff What we are looking for - Serving experience preferred, willingness to learn required - Friendly, reliable, and calm under pressure - Able to be on your feet and carry trays - Alcohol-server training (such as TIPS) if required in [State] Pay and perks [$XX-$XX/hr + tips]. Shift meals, flexible scheduling, and room to grow into bar or management roles. Shifts [Shift], including some weekends. How to apply Send a short note or resume to [Email/Link], or stop by [Address] between [Hours] and ask for [Manager Name].
Hiring in Greater Boston? Post it on the Servestack jobs board for free: a human reviews every listing, real pay ranges are required, and applications go straight to your inbox.