BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasFast Food and Counter Workers

O*NET · 35-3023.00

Fast Food and Counter Workers

Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages.

Also called Back of House Team Member (BOH Team Member) · Bakery Associate · Barista · Bistro Team Member · BOH Team Member · Cafe Server · Cafe Worker · Cafeteria Food Server
100 more

Cafeteria Lunchroom Counter Attendant · Cafeteria Server · Cafeteria Worker · Candy Attendant · Candy Bar Attendant · Candy Counter Clerk · Canteen Operator · Carhop · Caterer's Aide · Caterer's Helper · Catering Assistant · Catering Attendant · Coffee Attendant · Coffee Brewer · Coffee Shop Attendant · Concession Attendant · Concession Stand Attendant · Concessionaire · Counter Attendant · Counter Clerk · Counter Helper · Counter Hop · Counter Person · Counter Waiter · Counter Waitress · Counter Worker · Crew Member · Deli Associate · Deli Associate (Delicatessen Associate) · Deli Clerk · Deli Clerk (Delicatessen Clerk) · Deli Team Member · Deli Team Member (Delicatessen Team Member) · Deli Worker · Deli Worker (Delicatessen Worker) · Dietary Aide · Dish Up Person · Fast Food Cashier · Fast Food Server · Fast Food Team Member · Fast Food Worker · FOH Team Member · Food Champion · Food Counter Worker · Food Server · Food Service Assistant · Food Service Associate · Food Service Counter Clerk · Food Service Order Clerk · Food Service Specialist · Food Service Team Member · Food Service Worker · Food Team Member · Fountain Attendant · Fountain Clerk · Fountain Dispenser · Fountain Helper · Fountain Jerk · Fountain Operator · Fountain Server · Fountain Waiter · Fountain Waitress · Front Counter Attendant · Front of House Team Member (FOH Team Member) · Hot Dog Vender · Hot Dog Vendor · Ice Cream Dipper · Ice Cream Man · Ice Cream Scooper · Ice Cream Server · Ice Cream Shop Associate · Kitchen Food Server · Kitchen Team Member · Line Person · Line Server · Meat Clerk · Mess Attendant · Order Clerk · Order Filler · Popcorn Attendant · Restaurant Crew Member · Restaurant Team Member · Restaurant Worker · Salad Counter Attendant · Sandwich Artist · Sandwich Counter Attendant · Server · Service Crew Team Member · Snack Bar Attendant · Soda Clerk · Soda Dispenser · Soda Fountain Clerk · Soda Fountain Operator · Soda Jerker · Steam Table Attendant · Steam Table Worker · Take Out Waiter · Take Out Waitress · To Go Specialist · Window Clerk

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CRS35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CRSConventional · Realistic · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional4.96
  • R Realistic4.83
  • S Social3.48
  • E Enterprising3.45
  • A Artistic1.45
  • I Investigative1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma56%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent24%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate3%
  • Some College Courses17%
Related work experience
None (74%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (44%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (40%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Coordination3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Service Orientation3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.3Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Social Perceptiveness3.02.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Speakingbasic2.62.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Time Management2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Instructing2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
Show the other 23

Tasks

17 core · 10 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Accept payment from customers, and make change as necessary.4.4
  2. Request and record customer orders, and compute bills, using cash registers, multi-counting machines, or pencil and paper.4.4
  3. Serve customers in eating places that specialize in fast service and inexpensive carry-out food.4.4
  4. Communicate with customers regarding orders, comments, and complaints.4.3
  5. Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.4.3
  6. Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.4.2
  7. Serve food, beverages, or desserts to customers in such settings as take-out counters of restaurants or lunchrooms, business or industrial establishments, hotel rooms, and cars.4.2
  8. Monitor and order supplies or food items, and restock as necessary to maintain inventory.4.2
  9. Prepare daily food items, and cook simple foods and beverages, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, pizza, or coffee, using proper safety precautions and sanitary measures.4.1
  10. Clean and organize eating, service, and kitchen areas.4.1
  11. Brew coffee and tea, and fill containers with requested beverages.4.1
  12. Wrap menu items such as sandwiches, hot entrees, and desserts for serving or for takeout.4.0
Show the other 15
  1. Prepare and serve cold drinks, frozen milk drinks, or desserts, using drink-dispensing, milkshake, or frozen-custard machines.4.0
  2. Set up dining areas for meals, and clear them following meals.3.9
  3. Scrub and polish counters, steam tables, and other equipment, and clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.3.8
  4. Collect and return dirty dishes to the kitchen for washing.3.8
  5. Deliver orders to kitchens, and pick up and serve food when it is ready.3.7
  6. Perform personnel activities, such as supervising and training employees.4.4
  7. Add relishes and garnishes to food orders, according to instructions.4.3
  8. Distribute food to servers.4.2
  9. Select food items from serving or storage areas and place them in dishes, on serving trays, or in take-out bags.4.1
  10. Notify kitchen personnel of shortages or special orders.3.9
  11. Take customers' orders and write ordered items on tickets, giving ticket stubs to customers when needed to identify filled orders.3.9
  12. Wash dishes, glassware, and silverware after meals.3.8
  13. Replenish foods at serving stations.3.8
  14. Plan, prepare, and deliver meals to individuals with special dietary needs.3.8
  15. Arrange tables and decorations according to instructions.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Food Production3.42.7
  • Mathematics3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Computers and Electronics2.72.7
  • Administration and Management2.62.6
  • Sales and Marketing2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Administrative2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
Show all 33
  • Production and Processing2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Education and Training2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Economics and Accounting2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Foreign Language2.21.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Public Safety and Security2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Engineering and Technology1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Telecommunications1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Psychology1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Transportation1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Chemistry1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Communications and Media1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Design1.6—
  • Biology1.5—
  • Law and Government1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Geography1.4—
  • Physics1.4—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Therapy and Counseling1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Mechanical1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Speech Clarity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Time Sharing2.92.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Trunk Strength2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Information Ordering2.82.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Manual Dexterity2.82.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Problem Sensitivity2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Selective Attention2.62.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far Vision2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Auditory Attention2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Deductive Reasoning2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Finger Dexterity2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Memorization2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Inductive Reasoning2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Number Facility2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Stamina2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Written Comprehension2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Category Flexibility2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
  • Control Precision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Flexibility of Closure2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Fluency of Ideas2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Originality2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Perceptual Speed2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Reaction Time2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speed of Closure2.01.8
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Written Expression2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Spatial Orientation1.80.8
  • Static Strength1.80.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Visualization1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Response Orientation1.60.6
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.60.6
  • Depth Perception1.40.5
  • Rate Control1.40.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Peripheral Vision1.3—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.3—
  • Explosive Strength1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information3.52.7
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.42.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.32.6
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.12.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.92.1Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Training and Teaching Others2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Determine the meal selection for a cafeteria
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Keep up with price changes in a small retail store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Developing and Building Teams2.61.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to plan
  • Processing Information2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
  • Working with Computers2.61.8Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.51.7Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.41.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.21.4Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Thinking Creatively2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates1.90.9Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.4—
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.3—
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.3—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.7
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.4
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People4.4
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.4
  • Physical Proximity4.4
  • Spend Time Standing4.4
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.1

Technology

16 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Windows
Other tools (12)
  • Aldelo Systems Aldelo for Restaurants Pro
  • Compris software
  • Foodman Home-Delivery
  • Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale
  • Menu and nutrition database software
  • MICROS Systems HSI Profits Series
  • NCR Advanced Checkout Solution
  • NCR NeighborhoodPOS
  • Plexis Software Plexis POS
  • Quizlet
  • RestaurantPlus PRO
  • The General Store

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
  2. Food Preparation Workers
  3. Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
  4. Baristas
  5. Waiters and Waitresses
  6. Cooks, Restaurant
  7. Cooks, Short Order
  8. Dishwashers
  9. Bartenders
  10. Cooks, Fast Food

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.