Cafe and Restaurant Managers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Cafe and Restaurant Managers organise and control the operations of cafes, restaurants and related establishments to provide dining and catering services.
Also known as: Food and Beverage Manager, or Restauranteur.
Specialisations: Canteen Manager, Caterer, Internet Cafe Manager.
Extensive industry experience is usually needed to work as a Cafe or Restaurant Manager. Some workers have a diploma or advanced diploma in hospitality, cookery or hospitality management.
Tasks
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planning menus in consultation with Chefs
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planning and organising special functions
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arranging the purchasing and pricing of goods according to budget
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maintaining records of stock levels and financial transactions
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ensuring dining facilities comply with health regulations and are clean, functional and of suitable appearance
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conferring with customers to assess their satisfaction with meals and service
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selecting, training and supervising waiting and kitchen staff
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may take reservations, greet guests and assist in taking orders
Characteristics
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University
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Administrative
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Enterprising
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Helping
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Sedentary
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Light
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers:
- is expected to grow very strongly
- is likely to reach 81,400 by 2026.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 61,700 |
2012 | 54,000 |
2013 | 63,900 |
2014 | 57,900 |
2015 | 72,900 |
2016 | 67,700 |
2017 | 75,900 |
2018 | 69,100 |
2019 | 73,400 |
2020 | 61,800 |
2021 | 64,000 |
2026 | 81,400 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 76% of people employed as Cafe and Restaurant Managers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 10 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 48 hours per week in their main job. This is 4 hours more than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
More than a third of workers regularly work overtime or extra hours (either paid or unpaid).
Median full-time earnings are $1,268 per week, this is much lower than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,217
- 1 in 4 earn more than $1,346
Median hourly earnings are $33, this is lower than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Cafe and Restaurant Managers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,268 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Cafe and Restaurant Managers work in the Accommodation and food services industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Cafe and Restaurant Managers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 31.6 | 31.6 |
VIC | 26.4 | 25.6 |
QLD | 19.9 | 20.0 |
SA | 6.6 | 7.0 |
WA | 10.9 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.9 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.9 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.8 | 1.9 |
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Around 66% of Cafe and Restaurant Managers live in capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 62%.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Cafe and Restaurant Managers is 40 years. This is the same as the all jobs average.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 54% of the workforce. This is 6 percentage points above the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Cafe and Restaurant Managers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 1.1 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 7.1 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 28.3 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 24.8 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 23.1 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 8.1 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 2.8 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 40 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Extensive industry experience is usually needed to work as a Cafe or Restaurant Manager. Some workers have a diploma or advanced diploma in hospitality, cookery or hospitality management.
Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Tourism, Travel and Hospitality VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Cafe and Restaurant Managers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 5.5 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 18.7 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 17.2 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 17.1 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 25.2 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 11.6 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Cafe and Restaurant Managers who communicate clearly, who have strong people skills and are reliable.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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57%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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54%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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54%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
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54%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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54%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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54%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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52%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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52%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
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52%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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52%
NegotiationBringing people together and trying to sort out their differences.
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50%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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50%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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48%
PersuasionTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviour.
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48%
Management of financial resourcesFiguring out how money is needed to do something, and keeping track of the money that's being spent.
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46%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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46%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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46%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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46%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
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45%
Operations analysisUnderstanding needs and product requirements to create a design.
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45%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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68%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
67%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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61%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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61%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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58%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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57%
Food productionPlanting, growing, and harvesting food (both plant and animal), including storage and handling.
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56%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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49%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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47%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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45%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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43%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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41%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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37%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
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36%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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35%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
-
32%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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31%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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30%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
24%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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24%
Foreign languageForeign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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57%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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57%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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55%
Written expressionWrite in a way that people can understand.
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52%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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52%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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50%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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48%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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48%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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46%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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46%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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46%
OriginalityCome up with unusual or clever ideas, or creative ways to solve a problem.
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45%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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45%
BrainstormingCome up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
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41%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
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41%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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41%
MultitaskingDo two or more things at the same time.
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41%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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39%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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37%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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36%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
76%
Negotiating and resolving conflictsHandling complaints and disagreements, and negotiating with people.
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71%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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71%
Working with the publicGreeting or serving customers, clients or guests, and public speaking or performing.
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67%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
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67%
Coaching and developing othersWorking out the needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or helping them to improve.
-
66%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
-
65%
Guiding and directing staffGuiding and directing staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
-
64%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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62%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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62%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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60%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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58%
Hiring and organising staffRecruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees.
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57%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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56%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
-
56%
Leading and encouraging a teamEncouraging and building trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
-
55%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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55%
Providing office supportDoing day-to-day office work such as filing and processing paperwork.
-
55%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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52%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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50%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
76%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
62%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
-
62%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
24%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
24%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
Values
-
81%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
67%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
67%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
64%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
62%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
62%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
93%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
90%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
87%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
-
84%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
84%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
83%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
-
83%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
-
82%
Contact with the publicWork with customers or the public.
-
82%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
81%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
81%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
-
80%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
80%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
79%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
77%
Repeating same tasksRepeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
-
77%
Walking and runningSpend time walking and running.
-
77%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
77%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
77%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
76%
Conflict situationsDeal with conflict or disagreements.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 11-9051.00 - Food Service Managers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.