How much does a waiter earn? Education, opportunities and salary in the catering industry

Waiters and waitresses are the friendly faces in catering establishments who greet and serve guests.
Her main responsibilities include serving food and drinks, taking orders, and advising guests. Her expertise is particularly important when it comes to food intolerances/ allergies and the recommendation of suitable wines.

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In modern catering, technical devices such as ordering computers and receipt printers support the work of service staff.
Additional tasks may vary depending on the company. In hotels, this often includes floor service, while in upscale restaurants, flambéing food at the table or carving larger pieces of meat directly at the guest's premises is also part of the service. Waiters are also often used at events such as weddings and birthdays.

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In addition to serving guests, waiters are also responsible for bringing the bill to the table and occasionally receiving praise or criticism.

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A waiter's work environment

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Waiters mainly work in restaurants, hotels, inns, guesthouses or catering companies. Your workplace covers guest rooms such as dining rooms, buffets or bars.

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Waiter training

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How do you become a waiter?

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Just about anyone can start out as a waiter, but if you want to get into better-paid jobs, this is usually only possible through many years of experience or training. However, there is no special training to become a “waiter”. Instead, there are various training occupations to choose from, depending on the focus:

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Restaurant specialist: In three years of training, you learn all the skills you need to work in a restaurant.
Hotel specialist: In addition to waiters, this training also includes other tasks in the hotel business.
Hospitality specialist: Faster training, which also includes assignments in the kitchen.
System catering specialist: Further education for specialized jobs in the catering industry.

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However, it is also possible to work as a waiter without formal training, which is often used by pupils or students to earn money. However, formal education provides in-depth knowledge and makes it easier to work efficiently.

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Requirements for education

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Friendliness is the most important requirement for a waiter. If you don't like interacting with people, always remain polite and fulfill their every wish, you won't get far.
Other important features include:
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Physical load capacity: Waiting is a strenuous job that requires constant movement and carrying heavy trays.
Flexibility: Working hours are often evenings and weekends.
Perseverance and curiosity: You get to know new people all the time and often work with the kitchen on new menus.
Team spirit and careful work: Both are essential for a smooth process in a restaurant.
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A specific school leaving certificate is not required for training, even though many trainees have a secondary or secondary school leaving certificate.

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Type and duration of training

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The training is organized in two ways, which means that it takes place at vocational school and in the company and lasts 2-3 years. It is possible to shorten the training period.

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Salary in education

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You already receive remuneration during dual training. This varies depending on the job and year:

1st year of training: 928 euros
2nd year of training: 1,045 euros
3rd year of training: 1,163 euros

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Salary of a waiter in Germany

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According to the Stepstone salary overview, waiters earn an average annual salary of around 31,200 euros, which corresponds to a monthly salary of 2,600 euros. The average hourly wage is 16 euros. The salary range is from 2,175 euros to 2,892 euros per month. Some employers also pay a 13-month salary, Christmas bonus or an annual bonus.

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gratuity
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Tips are an important part of waiters' income in Germany.
It is common for guests to tip around 5-10% of the bill amount. Legally speaking, tips are voluntary payments that remain tax-free as long as they go directly to the service staff and are not distributed by the employer. In many companies, however, there are regulations that tips are divided among employees in order to ensure fairness.

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Career opportunities and prospects

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Working as a waiter offers numerous career opportunities. Continuing education and specialized activities, such as working in upscale restaurants or at major events, open up additional income opportunities. There are also numerous vacancies in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich.

Overall, the job of a waiter offers an exciting mix of direct customer contact, flexible work opportunities and the opportunity to work in various catering areas.
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How Simplejobs can help you

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The path to becoming a waiter can be challenging, but you don't have to go it alone. That's where Simplejobs comes in — your partner for a smooth career change that really focuses on your needs as an employee.

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Free job suggestions

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We offer you tailor-made job suggestions that are tailored to your skills and career aspirations. This service is completely free and aims to connect you with the best opportunities on the market.

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No temporary work

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At Simplejobs, you can find permanent positions. We do not provide temporary or temporary jobs because we understand that stability is a key factor for career growth and satisfaction.

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Fair & approved jobs

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Every job we suggest is carefully reviewed to ensure that it is not only fair but also of high quality. We only work with companies that meet our high standards in terms of working conditions and compensation.

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Personal contact

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You get a personal contact at Simplejobs who will be by your side throughout the process. This contact person helps you to optimize your application documents, prepares you for job interviews and offers you assistance with negotiations.

After a one-time registration, you will receive access to job offers that are specifically tailored to your competencies and career goals.

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Start your new, exciting career as a waiter with Simplejobs!

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With our specialized service, which is tailored to your needs as an employee, we not only offer you access to certified and fair jobs, but also long-term support from your personal contact. Take advantage of the variety of opportunities and let us achieve your professional goals together.

Your next big opportunity is already waiting for you — sign up now and receive personalized job suggestions that really suit you.

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