Restaurant jobs include many more than the obvious few that spring to mind. Chef, server and bartender barely scratch the surface of all the work that happens in front and back of house.
The restaurant industry is rich in career opportunities for all kinds of people with different interests. Some may have left the industry in recent years, contributing to the restaurant labour shortage. But on a positive note, that means there is now an unprecedented opportunity for employment-seekers to break into business on the strength of a great job interview without needing years of restaurant experience.
People have always been drawn to restaurant jobs because they offer an alternative to sleepier types of employment. There are no tiny desks, a tight-knit community exists and, as anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant will tell you, there is never a dull moment. Restaurant work is indeed stressful and it’s not for everyone, but one of its major advantages is that it’s inherently social, fast-paced and fun. In fact, team members who have fun on the job are likely to recruit friends for open positions where they work.
A diverse range of roles and responsibilities
Restaurant jobs and job descriptions vary greatly from one spot to another. Often, a single person will fill multiple jobs. Hosts can simultaneously serve as receptionists. A general manager might also wear a restaurant’s sommelier hat. Many restaurants have roles and job titles you don’t find elsewhere in the industry, and the way the roles are defined can be just as idiosyncratic.
Pay, both in terms of whether it’s hourly or salary and the amount, varies dramatically. You’ll find national averages for pay below. It can be a helpful jumping off point, but be sure to search online and ask around to learn what the going rate for each role is in your area. The cost of living in a specific city, town or village factors into the going rate for a job, and salaries at fast casual restaurants differ dramatically from those in fine dining.
Whether you dream of opening a restaurant and need to know all the possible jobs you’ll have to fill or you want to start a career in hospitality, here are all the roles and people it takes to make a restaurant run like clockwork.
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Barback
Barista
Bartender
Busser
Cashier
Communications manager
Kitchen porter
Executive chef
Expeditor
Food and beverage director
General manager
Host
Human resources manager
Kitchen manager
Line cook
Pastry chef
Prep cook
Private events manager
Reservationist
Waiting staff
Short order cook
Sommelier
Sous chef
Barback job description
A barback’s job is to support and assist everything that happens at a restaurant’s bar. These team members help prep drink garnishes by juicing and slicing citrus and other ingredients. They clean and refill squeeze bottles. They’re responsible for wiping up spills and doing any other needed cleanup during service. Another important part of the job is keeping the bar stocked, including restocking empty bottles and replacing beer kegs.
Skill level: Entry level
Payment: Hourly wage varies, but averages are £11.38 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Positive attitude
- Desire to learn
- Physical strength
Barista job description
A cafe or restaurant with an espresso machine may need a barista during breakfast and lunch shifts, or any time when a high volume of espresso drinks are ordered. Making these beverages takes more time and skill than a server or bartender has during a busy shift. A barista will make espressos, cappuccinos, lattes and regular drip coffee. They’ll also be responsible for keeping the coffee station clean and organised.
Skill level: Some experience
Payment: Hourly wage varies; average is £11.29 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Attention to detail
- Coffee knowledge
- Steaming and pouring milk
Bartender job description
Bartenders need to expertly mix and serve drinks, but they also must have some of the best people skills in the restaurant. They’ll need to handle touchy situations including asking guests for proof of age and declining to serve additional rounds to those who have already had too much to drink. They handle all the cash and credit card transactions that happen at the bar and, with help from barbacks, they need to keep the bar organised and clean.
Skill level: Experienced
Payment: Hourly wage (varies) plus tips; average is £10.79 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Cocktail mixing expertise
- Other beverage expertise
- Interpersonal skills
Busser job description
Bussers clear and clean tables. They reset tables between guests and restock plates and glassware. At some restaurants, bussers will also serve as food runners or expediters, ferrying food between kitchens and guests. This role is often a first job in the restaurant industry.
Skill level: Entry level
Payment: Hourly wage varies; average is £9.79 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Willingness to learn
- Strong work ethic
- Cleaning skills
Cashier job description
This role mainly pertains to counter service or fast casual restaurants. The cashier runs the cash register, processes payments and interacts with customers. Sometimes a cashier also takes orders from guests. If a restaurant uses a POS system, the cashier needs to know how to use it. This can be an excellent entry level role as long as adequate training is provided.
Skill level: Entry level
Payment: Hourly wage varies; average is £12.54 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Good with numbers
- Computer literacy
- Good customer service
Communications manager job description
Not every restaurant will require a communications person. But in the age of social media marketing, it can help to have someone ensure your feeds are posting consistently with messages that enhance the brand and serve your business. A communications pro can also help get your restaurant media coverage and handle any incoming press questions. This professional can be full time or part time or a freelancer you hire for a few hours a week.
Skill level: Experienced
Payment: Salary or hourly, depending on your needs. Varies widely; average is £45,401 per year.
Top three skills needed:
- Creativity
- Copywriting
- Social media savvy
Kitchen porter job description
A kitchen porter’s main duty is to keep the kitchen equipment spotless – they wash all the dishes and equipment. They also do other janitorial tasks around the kitchen, including cleaning appliances and emptying trash cans. Sometimes kitchen porters are tasked with assisting the bussers.
Skill level: Entry level
Payment: Hourly wage varies, average is £9.98 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Cleaning
- Attention to detail
- Able to follow directions
Executive chef job description
The executive chef is responsible for the kitchen overall. They coordinate all other kitchen team members and oversee service. Typically, the executive chef creates the menu and mentors other chefs and cooks as well. They’re often tasked with managing food costs as well.
Skill level: Expert
Payment: Salary varies widely; average is £24.41 per year.
Top three skills needed:
- Culinary expertise
- Leadership
- Creativity
Expeditor job description
Expeditors ensure the timing of service is just right. They’ll often check plates for readiness, making sure nothing is missing, and run them to guests. Some expeditors focus solely on moving the food from the kitchen to the dining room, but in some restaurants, expeditors are also expected to let the kitchen know where their timing may be off and extra speed or attention is needed. An expeditor can provide a valuable link between the front of house and back of house staff. Slower shifts may not need one or more expeditors, but streamlining the schedule can give a restaurant a good indication of when to hire and schedule expeditors.
Skill level: Some experience
Payment: Hourly wage varies; average is £14.24 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Strong communicator
- Time management
- Ability to see the big picture
Food and beverage director job description
The exact duties of a food and beverage director vary depending on the business. Hotels, restaurant groups and independent restaurants all have different needs. Small restaurants typically don’t fill this role at all while almost all hotels have this professional on staff. Usually the food and beverage director or manager works closely on budgets and food suppliers. They also may ensure the kitchen meets all health regulations and other standards.
Skill level: Expert
Payment: Salary varies; average annual salary is £60,000.
Top three skills needed:
- Restaurant business knowledge
- Leadership
- Problem solving
General manager job description
A general manager, often referred to as the GM, is responsible for overseeing and improving overall day-to-day operations. They function as something of a team captain for staff, and they are often a restaurant jack-of-all-trades. At a high level, they can be involved with business strategy, budgeting and team engagement and morale. Find further description on how to become a General manager here.
Skill level: Experienced
Payment: Salary varies; average is £35,627 per year.
Top three skills needed:
- Good communication
- Teamwork
- Conflict management
Host job description
A host greets guests as they enter a restaurant. If the guest has a reservation, the host checks them in. If they’re walk-ins, the host seats them or adds their name to a waiting list. Their most important job is communicating with guests and serving as the first point of hospitality in the restaurant.
Skill level: Some experience
Payment: Hourly rate varies, average is £12 an hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Good customer service
- Organization
- Teamwork
Human resources manager job description
Not every restaurant has a human resources department, and for those that do, the “department” is often one person. A human resources manager takes care of all personnel issues, payroll and employee records. But the biggest part of the job is keeping the restaurant staffed up. This person will promote openings as well as recruit and screen people. Many restaurants prefer to hire a consultant or retain someone on a part-time basis if they don’t need a full time employee.
Skill level: Expert
Payment: Salary varies, average is £42,928 per year.
Top three skills needed:
- Empathy
- Organization
- Strong communicator
Kitchen manager job description
A kitchen manager helps manage the back of house team, including prep and clean up. They help ensure all sanitation standards are met and are often responsible for ordering ingredients and replacing or adding equipment within a budget.
Skill level: Experienced
Payment: Can be hourly or salaried. Average is £14.70 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Leadership experience
- Organization
- Ability to multitask
Line cook job description
A line cook sets up their kitchen station, where they’ll have a defined set of cooking duties, including grilling, frying, sauce making and sautéing. They need to keep their station clean and organised during their shift and sanitise it afterward.
Skill level: Some experience
Payment: Hourly wage varies; average is £11.50 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Cooking expertise
- Attention to detail
- Ability to follow instructions
Pastry chef job description
A pastry chef plans the dessert menu and makes a restaurant’s desserts, breads, and pastries. Some restaurants have one pastry chef while others have dedicated pastry kitchens. In pastry kitchens, the pastry chef manages that team.
Skill level: Expert
Payment: Salary varies; average is £30,148 per year.
Top three skills needed:
- Culinary skills
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
Prep cook job description
Prep cooks support line cooks by washing, peeling, slicing and dicing vegetables. They follow any instructions on the prep lists created by chefs. They measure and portion ingredients, and they make sure all items are stored properly. They may also do simple cooking tasks or dish assembly.
Skill level: Entry level
Payment: Hourly wage varies; average is £10.65 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Willingness to learn
- Ability to follow instructions
- Teamwork
Private events manager job description
This person is also sometimes known as a catering or banquet manager, and they oversee all the moving parts of private events for a restaurant or restaurant group. This may include both events that happen in private dining spaces at the restaurants and catered events that take place off-premises. Often a private events manager is tasked with getting the word out about private events at a restaurant and securing clients.
Skill level: Some experience
Payment: Salary varies; average is £32,000 per year.
Top three skills needed:
- Event planning
- Marketing
- Ability to multitask
Reservationist job description
A reservationist manages reservations for a restaurant. This involves taking reservations by phone, email, in person and through a reservation software. It also requires updating the book when people cancel or no-show and making adjustments in partnership with other team members. Depending on the system a restaurant has in place, a reservationist may place calls or send text messages to confirm reservations with guests in advance.
Skill level: Some experience
Payment: Hourly wage varies; average is £11.90 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Familiarity with reservation software
- Strong communicator
- Good customer service
Waiting staff
The waiting staff take care of guests while they’re dining at a restaurant. They inform people about their restaurant concepts and any specials. Waiting staff answer questions about the menu and communicate orders to the kitchen usually through a POS system. Before and after their shifts, they’re responsible for chores that can include rolling silverware in napkins, cleaning ketchup bottles, or polishing glassware.
Skill level: Some experience
Payment: Hourly, plus tips. Average is £10.12 per hour.
Top three skills needed:
- Teamwork
- Food and beverage knowledge
- Good customer service
Short order cook job description
Not all restaurants have short order cooks. This role tends to exist in diners, cafes and other casual spots but not fine dining restaurants. These are cooks charged with preparing dishes that come together quickly, such as fried eggs, sandwiches and burgers.
Skill level: Some experience
Payment: Hourly wage varies; average is £36,750 per year.
Top three skills needed:
- Speed
- Multitasking
- Cooking
Sommelier job description
Though not on staff at many casual restaurants, sommeliers are a staple of fine dining. They curate a restaurant’s wine list in collaboration with the executive chef and others. They manage wine purchases and negotiate prices with vendors. During service, they help guests choose wines that best suit their meal and personal tastes.
Skill level: Expert; sometimes a certification is required
Payment: Salary varies; average is £31,000 per year.
Top three skills needed:
- Wine knowledge
- Good customer service
- Strong communicator
Sous chef job description
Sous chefs are the executive chef’s right-hand person in the kitchen. They’re one step down the chain of command from the executive chef. Depending on a specific restaurant’s operation and staffing, the sous chef may actually do most of the hands-on work of leading the kitchen. They oversee cooking, presentation and quality control in the kitchen.
Skill level: Experienced
Payment: Salary varies; average is £31,481 per year.
Top three skills needed:
- Culinary knowledge
- Leadership experience
- Teamwork
