Waiters and Waitresses

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (8%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 5 (20%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 18 (72%)

• Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Inform customers of daily specials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Describe and recommend wines to customers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide guests with information about local areas, including directions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect payments from customers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Remove dishes and glasses from tables or counters, and take them to kitchen for cleaning.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Serve food or beverages to patrons, and prepare or serve specialty dishes at tables as required.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean tables or counters after patrons have finished dining.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare tables for meals, including setting up items such as linens, silverware, and glassware.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist host or hostess by answering phones to take reservations or to-go orders, and by greeting, seating, and thanking guests.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Escort customers to their tables.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpet, tidying up server station, taking out trash, or checking and cleaning bathroom.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare hot, cold, and mixed drinks for patrons, and chill bottles of wine.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Roll silverware, set up food stations, or set up dining areas to prepare for the next shift or for large parties.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Stock service areas with supplies such as coffee, food, tableware, and linens.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Bring wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses, and pour the wines for customers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fill salt, pepper, sugar, cream, condiment, and napkin containers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform food preparation duties, such as preparing salads, appetizers, and cold dishes, portioning desserts, and brewing coffee.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Garnish and decorate dishes in preparation for serving.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about waiters and waitresses and AI