Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 522,010 dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers, and they earn a median of $32,670/year. The range runs from $22K to $46K. Hawaii pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers start around $22K. The gap between that and the median ($33K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $46K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $47K | 4,460 |
| Washington | $39K | 7,070 |
| District of Columbia | $38K | 4,040 |
| Maine | $37K | 1,770 |
| Vermont | $37K | 650 |
| New York | $37K | 44,040 |
| Arizona | $36K | 11,520 |
| California | $36K | 78,320 |
| Maryland | $36K | 13,080 |
| Massachusetts | $35K | 10,820 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers make?▼
The median dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers salary in the United States is $32,670 per year ($16/hour). Entry-level positions start around $22,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,380.
What education do you need to become a dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers.
What are the highest paying states for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers?▼
The highest paying states for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers are Hawaii ($47,190), Washington ($38,800), District of Columbia ($38,160), Maine ($37,470), Vermont ($36,920). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.