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Tray Server Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Troon

Server

Thatcher, AZ

$12.85/hr

Practices tray service for all food and beverage service. * Incorporates safe work practices in job performance. * Performs other duties as required. Minimum Qualifications for the Server: * High ...

Sonic

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Osage City, KS · On-site

Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds * Serving our guests in a timely manner ... Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special ...

Sonic

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds * Serving our guests in a timely manner ... Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special ...

Sonic

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Russell, KS · On-site

Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds * Serving our guests in a timely manner ... Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special ...

Sonic

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Newton, KS · On-site

Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds * Serving our guests in a timely manner ... Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special ...

Sonic

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds * Serving our guests in a timely manner ... Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special ...

Sonic

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Concordia, KS · On-site

Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds * Serving our guests in a timely manner ... Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special ...

Sonic

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Newton, KS · On-site

Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds * Serving our guests in a timely manner ... Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special ...

Sonic

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Beloit, KS

Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds * Serving our guests in a timely manner ... Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special ...

Sonic

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Larned, KS · On-site

Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds * Serving our guests in a timely manner ... Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special ...

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Tray Server information

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How much do tray server jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for tray server in the United States is $15.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.34 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are tray servers?

Tray servers are hospitality workers who are responsible for serving food and beverages to guests at events, restaurants, or hotels, typically using trays. They often work at banquets, parties, weddings, or other gatherings where food is passed around rather than served at a table. Their duties include carrying trays, distributing items, collecting used dishes, and ensuring guests have a positive dining experience. Tray servers need excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Tray Server vs Food Runner?

AspectTray ServerFood Runner
Primary RoleServes food and beverages directly to customers, manages tray deliveryDelivers prepared food from kitchen to tables, assists with order accuracy
Work EnvironmentFront-of-house, customer-facing, often in restaurants or cateringBack-of-house and front-of-house, supporting kitchen and service staff
CredentialsNone typically required, customer service skills preferredNone typically required, good communication skills needed

Tray Servers focus on delivering food and beverages directly to customers, ensuring proper presentation and service. Food Runners primarily transport food from the kitchen to tables, assisting with order accuracy and timely delivery. Both roles are essential in restaurant service, often overlapping but with distinct responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tray Server, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tray Server, you need strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in fast-paced environments, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety protocols, and basic tray setup procedures is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a friendly demeanor help build positive guest experiences and smooth service flow. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering prompt, accurate, and courteous service, which directly impacts customer satisfaction and operational success.

What are some common challenges Tray Servers face during busy shifts, and how can they manage them effectively?

Tray Servers often encounter challenges such as handling multiple orders simultaneously, navigating crowded dining areas, and ensuring accuracy and timeliness in service. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with kitchen and wait staff, and prioritize tasks based on guest needs and order timing. Developing good time management skills and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure can help Tray Servers deliver excellent service while minimizing stress during peak periods.
More about Tray Server jobs
What job categories do people searching Tray Server jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tray Server jobs are:
Tray Server jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tray Server job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,808 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Server (Sonic Carhop) - Hull Street

Server (Sonic Carhop) - Hull Street

Sonic

Midlothian, VA • On-site

$12/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Sonic Drive-In rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 1,610 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 104 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

$12.00 Per Hour plus TIPS!

Looking for a way to apply that boundless enthusiasm you wake up with every morning? We can help. At SONIC, you get great pay, flexible hours and a cool uniform—while doing the job you love.

As a SONIC Carhop, you are part of an elite group, filling a role offered by no other company. Being a Carhop (aka super cool food server) is like being an astronaut, only you work in a drive-in restaurant instead of space, and the food’s way better. You’re responsible for serving and delivering that food safely and efficiently, ensuring our guests have a truly out-of-this-world experience at SONIC Drive-In restaurants.

SONIC Carhop/Skating Carhop server duties may include:
Ensuring that all restaurant menu items meet operational standards
Greeting all guests in a polite and friendly manner with a smile
Making accurate change quickly and efficiently for restaurant guests
Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds
Serving our guests in a timely manner
Clearing trays from our guests’ cars

Depending upon the employment practices of the individual SONIC Drive-In restaurant owner, some SONIC Drive-Ins employ Skating Carhop servers:
Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special “surprise and delight” element to the guest experience.

In the words of one of our Skating Carhop servers:
"From where I'm skating, working at SONIC is a blast and the tips are great too!"

Carhop/Skating Carhop server requirements:
Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
Ability to be flexible in all situations based on business need
Effective communication skills; basic math and reading skills
Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC

Skating Carhop server requirements:
Roller skate proficiently and frequently on various surfaces when delivering food
Ability to continuously stand, balance and carry a tray, and sweep while roller skating
General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations preferred, but not required

Additional Carhop/Skating Carhop server Qualifications…
• Friendly and smiling faces that enjoy providing courteous service to our restaurant guests!

• Must be available to work weekends
• Must be energetic
• Looking for part and full time in all positions
• Health Benefits for full time employees
• We offer flexible hours and schedules for all positions
• Skating is a HUGE PLUS!
• Keep all your own tips!

What Sonic Drive-In employees say

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