Wait Staff Jobs in Salem, VA

Wait Staff, also known as servers, are integral to the Hospitality Service industry as they are primarily responsible for serving food and beverages to customers, taking orders, and providing excellent customer service in restaurants, cafes, and other food-service establishments. Their tasks include handling cash transactions, cleaning tables, answering customer inquiries about the menu, and ensuring that the food service area is clean and well-stocked. They are the face of the establishment, as they directly interact with customers, making them crucial in maintaining the restaurant's reputation and overall guest experience.

Essential skills for Wait Staff include strong communication, ability to work under pressure, customer service skills, physical stamina, and multitasking. They must also have a good memory to remember orders and the layout of the tables. No specific certifications are generally needed, but having a Food Handler's Card or ServSafe certification can be beneficial, while some upscale restaurants might require formal training or a degree in hospitality or a related field. Before becoming a Wait Staffer, a person may have roles such as Host or Hostess, Busser, or Food Runner. These positions allow individuals to gain experience in the food service environment and customer service, preparing them for a server position.

1-15 of 80 Jobs

Specialty Food Server- $9.00/hr + tips

  • Vinton, VA (18 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 2 days ago
  • Vinton, VA (18 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 2 days ago

Company Description Boyd Gaming Corporation has been successful in gaming jurisdiction in which we operate in the United States and is one of the premier casino entertainment companies in the...

Restaurant Team Member - Cook

  • Christiansburg, VA (19 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 3 days ago
  • Christiansburg, VA (19 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 3 days ago

Overview Be a Part of Something Uncommonly Good At Noodles & Company, our mission is to nourish and inspire every team member, guest, and community we serve. We're hiring restaurant Team Members...

Full Time - Cashier - Opening

  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 3 days ago
  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 3 days ago

Your Impact at Lowe's As a Lowe's cashier, you'll ensure every customer exits Lowe's on a high note. Your work helps our stores positively serve our customers and communities by providing a quick,...

Barista - PT

  • Christiansburg, VA (19 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 4 days ago
  • Christiansburg, VA (19 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 4 days ago

As a Barista, you provide first class service to our customers with every drink you create and every cookie you bake, ensuring their experience is your top priority. You make the customer...

Server - Full Time - Roanoke, VA

  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 5 days ago
  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 5 days ago

Join Our Family Serving Families Why Harmony? 401k + Fulltime & Part-time Benefits Packages Employee Referral Bonus + Incentives (free meals, movie tickets, dining, automotive deals, retail...

barista - Store# 78651, I-81 AND PLANTATION LANE - HOLLINS

  • Hollins, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 6 days ago
  • Hollins, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 6 days ago

Join us and inspire with every cup! At Starbucks, it s all about connection. People are at the heart of who we are, especially the people that are a part of our store team. We connect with each...

Full Time - Head Cashier - Closing

  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 7 days ago
  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 7 days ago

Essential Functions: NOTE: Minors in this role may not be responsible for some of the activities listed below Assisted Self Check Out Demonstrates ability to monitor and identify customers who...

Fine Dining Server - PM

  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 9 days ago
  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 9 days ago

Property About Us At Pyramid Global Hospitality, people come first. As a company that values its employees, Pyramid Global Hospitality is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work...

Server

  • Salem, VA
  • 10 days ago
  • Salem, VA
  • 10 days ago

Server Overview Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity No Late Nights! Grow your career with Brookdale! Our Servers have the option to...

Food Runner - Tanglewood-Chili's

  • Cave Spring, VA (6 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 10 days ago
  • Cave Spring, VA (6 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 10 days ago

Role Overview Our Food Runners create an exceptional experience for our Guests and their fellow Team Members by sharing their passion for beverages, food, and people. We hire primarily food...

Cashier Part Time

  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 11 days ago
  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 11 days ago

Join our team of more than 34,000 team members, supporting our members and communities in our Club Support Center, 235+ clubs and eight distribution centers. BJs Wholesale Club offers a...

Retail Team Member

  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 16 days ago
  • Roanoke, VA (9 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 16 days ago

Flynn Group entered the Panera system in 2015 with the acquisition of 47 cafes. Since then, we have more than tripled in size to become the 2nd largest Panera franchisee in the world and continue...

Server

  • Christiansburg, VA (19 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 16 days ago
  • Christiansburg, VA (19 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 16 days ago

Youll bring our mission of Pleasing People to life by working as part of a team to provide the great guest service Cracker Barrel is known for. The best part?...

Busser

  • Christiansburg, VA (19 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 16 days ago
  • Christiansburg, VA (19 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 16 days ago

WHY CRACKER BARREL What is it like to work at Cracker Barrel? It feels like Care beyond the table At Cracker Barrel, we serve up care for you, so you can serve up care for our guests. Its an...

To-Go Specialist

  • Troutville, VA (13 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 16 days ago
  • Troutville, VA (13 miles from Salem, VA)
  • 16 days ago

WHY CRACKER BARREL What is it like to work at Cracker Barrel? It feels like Care beyond the table - At Cracker Barrel, we serve up care for you, so you can serve up care for our guests. It's an...

Demographic Data for Salem, VA

Moving to Salem, VA? Find some basic demographic data about Salem, VA below.


Local
National
38,728
1,163
Medium

Wait Staff Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireHospitalityServices curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Leading Well for Staff Health and Wellbeing in the NHS
The health and wellbeing of NHS staff is essential to the quality of care provided to patients, service users and communities. The Covid-19 pandemic placed unprecedented pressures on the health...
Prison Health: Vaccinations for People Working and Living in Prisons (Vaccine Trained Staff)
This two-week course will help you gain an understanding of why vaccines can help protect the health of those living or working in prisons and those around them. Whats more, youll develop the...
On Staff: Combat Staff Masterclass
From a multipurpose tool and a traveling companion to a weapon used to conquer lands and hunting to feed our people, sticks are the foundation to humanity and all that is us.It is a shame to live...

Salary for Wait Staff Jobs in Salem, VA

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireHospitalityServices research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Wait Staff positions.



Highest Education Level

Wait Staffs in Salem, VA offer the following education background
High School or GED
41.7%
Bachelor's Degree
20.8%
Associate's Degree
13.0%
Vocational Degree or Certification
12.7%
Master's Degree
3.9%
Some College
3.8%
Some High School
3.2%
Doctorate Degree
0.9%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Wait Staffs in Salem, VA
Less than 1 year
34.0%
None
24.3%
1-2 years
24.0%
2-4 years
17.8%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



Wait Staff Related Career Advice Articles

Empty glasses hanging in a restaurant
Must-Read Job Search Advice for Restaurant Workers

Learn the ins and outs of how to get a job at a restaurant, including when to turn in your resume, how to present yourself, and how to land the job.

Read article »