1

Tray Server Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Server

Tucson, AZ · On-site

The Server employee will serve the guest's food and beverage items in a prompt, professional, and ... Practices proper tray service for all food and beverage service. * Practices proper tray service ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 school ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Tray Server information

See salary details

$5

$15

$30

How much do tray server jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 jobs make 5000 a week without a degree?

A Tray Server typically does not earn $5,000 a week without specialized skills or experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include sales roles like real estate agents, certain skilled trades such as commercial electricians or plumbers, and entrepreneurial ventures like starting a business. These roles often require certifications, licenses, or significant experience rather than formal degrees.

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:
Infographic showing various Tray Server job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,808 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Carhop/Skating Carhop (Server)

Sonic Drive-In

Osage City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Sonic Drive-In rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 1,594 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 103 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Description:
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.
  • Skating Carhop servers must complete the SONIC Skating Training Program.
  • Upon successful completion of this program, Skating Carhops perform the above duties while roller skating.

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:
  • Successfully completed assigned SONIC Skating Training Program
  • 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!
  • A willingness to cross-train on all the stations - it never gets boring here!
  • A team player keen on cleanliness and safety.

Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the Sonic Drive-In experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bee's knees, cruisin' . . . you get the picture! It's downright sensational!!
All that's missing is you, so APPLY TODAY!
SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.

What Sonic Drive-In employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom