Waiters and Waitresses
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 33,101 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 28% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Write patrons' food orders on order slips, memorize orders, or enter orders into computers for transmittal to kitchen staff.
AI could do much of this on its own
Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Inform customers of daily specials.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Collect payments from customers.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals, and take action to correct any problems.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Take orders from patrons for food or beverages.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Remove dishes and glasses from tables or counters, and take them to kitchen for cleaning.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Bartenders
Very similar work+30% pay8,761 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 30% more—$62,758 vs your $48,216 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Service Orientation
New skills to build
- Education and Training
- Instructing
Cooks, Restaurant
Similar workslightly less pay12,822 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$44,784 vs your $48,216 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, with less than 5 years of experience, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Trunk Strength
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Wrist-Finger Speed
- Control Precision
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Similar workslightly less pay3,326 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$47,046 vs your $48,216 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- English Language
- Problem Sensitivity
New skills to build
- Food Production
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Management of Material Resources
Chefs and Head Cooks
Somewhat similar work+50% pay2,357 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 50% more—$72,462 vs your $48,216 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with 5 years or more of experience.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
- Oral Expression
- Speech Recognition
- Service Orientation
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Production and Processing
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Food Production
- Administration and Management