SOC 35-3031
Waiters and Waitresses
Risk Score
⚠️62/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥2,302,690
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$34K
$19K – $63K
Projected Growth
📈-0.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖31/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Waiters and Waitresses face a risk score of 62/100 — 18 points above the national average of 44. With only 31/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $34K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 62/100, Waiters and Waitresses faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated food preparation and cooking robotics are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 2,302,690 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill and hospitality and personalized guest experiences to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Waiters and Waitresses?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Automated food preparation and cooking robotics
Self-ordering kiosks and mobile app displacement
Automated dishwashing and kitchen cleaning systems
AI inventory management and waste reduction
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
Hospitality and personalized guest experiences
Adapting to real-time dietary and allergy requests
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Administrators, All Other | 21 | $89K | 67% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 62% |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 27 | $37K | 55% |