Wait Staff Jobs in California

Wait Staff, also known as servers, are integral to the Hospitality Service industry as they are primarily responsible for serving food and beverages to customers, taking orders, and providing excellent customer service in restaurants, cafes, and other food-service establishments. Their tasks include handling cash transactions, cleaning tables, answering customer inquiries about the menu, and ensuring that the food service area is clean and well-stocked. They are the face of the establishment, as they directly interact with customers, making them crucial in maintaining the restaurant's reputation and overall guest experience.

Essential skills for Wait Staff include strong communication, ability to work under pressure, customer service skills, physical stamina, and multitasking. They must also have a good memory to remember orders and the layout of the tables. No specific certifications are generally needed, but having a Food Handler's Card or ServSafe certification can be beneficial, while some upscale restaurants might require formal training or a degree in hospitality or a related field. Before becoming a Wait Staffer, a person may have roles such as Host or Hostess, Busser, or Food Runner. These positions allow individuals to gain experience in the food service environment and customer service, preparing them for a server position.

1-15 of 2,526 Jobs
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San Pablo Lytton Casino

Concession Worker

SUMMARY: Prepare salads, fruits, cold meats, appetizers, and other cold dishes according to quality standards. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Includes but not limited to the following)...

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San Pablo Lytton Casino

Outside Service Agent

Coordinates with Security for guest shuttle service • Facilitates Taxi service for guests QUALIFICATIONS: • Previous experience in same or similar role preferred • Previous experience providing outstanding guest...

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San Pablo Lytton Casino

Food Expediter

SUMMARY: The Food Expediter ensures that every dish leaving the kitchen meets quality standards and reaches guests quickly and accurately. This role bridges communication between the kitchen and...

In Person

Barista

  • Starbucks
  • King City, CA
  • 22 days ago
  • King City, CA
  • 22 days ago

Crafting the worlds finest coffee, one meaningful moment at a time We believe in creating a warm and welcoming space where every cup of coffee sparks connection. Every shift is a chance to...

In Person

barista - Store# 09420, BIG BEAR & CHRISTMAS TREE LANE

  • Starbucks
  • Big Bear Lake, CA
  • 3 days ago
  • Big Bear Lake, CA
  • 3 days ago

Crafting the worlds finest coffee, one meaningful moment at a time We believe in creating a warm and welcoming space where every cup of coffee sparks connection. Every shift is a chance to...

In Person

Starbucks Barista

  • Starbucks
  • Big Bear Lake, CA
  • 14 days ago
  • Big Bear Lake, CA
  • 14 days ago

Crafting the worlds finest coffee, one meaningful moment at a time We believe in creating a warm and welcoming space where every cup of coffee sparks connection. Every shift is a chance to...

In Person

barista - Store# 09324, DONAHUE & 101

  • Starbucks
  • Sausalito, CA
  • 20 days ago
  • Sausalito, CA
  • 20 days ago

Crafting the worlds finest coffee, one meaningful moment at a time We believe in creating a warm and welcoming space where every cup of coffee sparks connection. Every shift is a chance to...

In Person

Restaurant Server

  • Leisure Care, Inc.
  • Livermore, CA
  • moments ago
  • Livermore, CA
  • moments ago

At Leisure Care managed senior living communities our hospitality-based care services and superstar employees (like you!) inspire new and creative ways of doing business and serving our residents...

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Barista, Waybound Yosemite

  • Delaware North Companies
  • Fish Camp, CA
  • moments ago
  • Fish Camp, CA
  • moments ago

As a Barista, you will deliver excellent guest service through mastery of coffee knowledge and recipes, educating team members and customers, and making beverages to brand specifications....

In Person

Server, Leatherby's Cafe Rouge

  • Delaware North Companies
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • moments ago
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • moments ago

The opportunity Delaware North's Patina Group is hiring part-time Servers to join our team at Leatherby's Cafe Rouge in Costa Mesa, California. As a Server, you will have the privilege of...

In Person

Server PM (Full-Time) - Dirty Habit

  • Sage Hospitality Resources, LLP
  • San Francisco, CA
  • moments ago
  • San Francisco, CA
  • moments ago

Indulge your vices in Hotel Zelos' acclaimed fifth-floor sanctuary, Dirty Habit, where craft cocktails pair perfectly with light bites....

In Person Full Time

Cocktail Server Overnight-Gaming Floor

  • Sycuan Gaming Center
  • El Cajon, CA
  • moments ago
  • El Cajon, CA
  • moments ago

Job Purpose:Provides service to guests by taking and delivering drink ordersJob Duties and Responsibilities:(Note: Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at the sole...

In Person

Pool Server (Seasonal)

  • Grand Pacific Palisades Resort
  • Carlsbad, CA
  • moments ago
  • Carlsbad, CA
  • moments ago

Seasonal Position: March 2026 - September 2026 POSITION PURPOSE To provide service to Sheraton pool guests during our peak seasons and/or according to business levels. They will serve food and...

In Person Temporary

Server

  • Stoneridge Creek
  • Pleasanton, CA
  • 1 hour ago
  • Pleasanton, CA
  • 1 hour ago

Assists with dishwashing and distribution of clean dishes as needed. Ensures upgraded orders are billed to resident accounts. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor....

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Server 1

  • Invited
  • Vista, CA
  • 1 hour ago
  • Vista, CA
  • 1 hour ago

Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success of the business? Since its inception in 1957, Invited has operated with the central...

In Person

Demographic Data for California

Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.


Local
National
39,536,271
996,598

Wait Staff Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireHospitalityServices curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Guardians - "The Waiting Game"
Balancing family, duty, and danger, the team discovers a poacher's snare and stages an ambush at the scene of the crime. However, the mission is perilousand the stakes are high. Curiosity Stream...
Prison Health: Vaccinations for People Working and Living in Prisons (Vaccine Trained Staff)
This two-week course will help you gain an understanding of why vaccines can help protect the health of those living or working in prisons and those around them. Whats more, youll develop the...
Modern Explorers - "Paradise Waiting"
Jokke Espen and Niccolo have emotional reunions with family members: first in the Alps, and later on the island of Sardiniawhere Niccolo was raised. Curiosity Stream is a leading streaming...

Salary for Wait Staff Jobs in California

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireHospitalityServices research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Wait Staff positions.



Highest Education Level

Wait Staffs in California offer the following education background
High School or GED
40.3%
Bachelor's Degree
21.7%
Associate's Degree
13.3%
Vocational Degree or Certification
12.7%
Master's Degree
4.2%
Some College
3.8%
Some High School
3.0%
Doctorate Degree
1.0%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Wait Staffs in California
Less than 1 year
34.0%
None
24.3%
1-2 years
24.0%
2-4 years
17.8%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



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