Food handler training
CertificateIssued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Waiter
Takes orders, serves food and drinks, and looks after customers in restaurants and cafes.
What you do
You greet and seat customers, explain the menu and take orders. You carry food and drinks to tables and clear them after. You also take payments and set up and clean the dining area.
SourceLast checked 10 Oct 2026
Licences and tickets
New South Wales
Required by lawYou cannot legally do this work without it.
- RSA competency card (NSW)Card
Issued by Liquor & Gaming NSW
Victoria
Required by lawYou cannot legally do this work without it.
- Food handler trainingCertificate
Issued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- RSA certificate (VIC)Certificate
Issued by Liquor Control Victoria
Queensland
Required by lawYou cannot legally do this work without it.
- Food handler trainingCertificate
Issued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- RSA certificate (QLD)Certificate
Issued by Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (QLD)
Western Australia
Required by lawYou cannot legally do this work without it.
- Food handler trainingCertificate
Issued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- RSA certificate (WA)Certificate
Issued by Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (Racing, Gaming and Liquor)
South Australia
Required by lawYou cannot legally do this work without it.
- Food handler trainingCertificate
Issued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- RSA certificate (SA)Certificate
Issued by Consumer and Business Services (SA)
Tasmania
Required by lawYou cannot legally do this work without it.
- Food handler trainingCertificate
Issued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- RSA certificate (TAS)Certificate
Issued by Liquor and Gaming Branch, Department of Treasury and Finance (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory
Required by lawYou cannot legally do this work without it.
- Food handler trainingCertificate
Issued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- RSA certificate (ACT)Certificate
Issued by Access Canberra
Northern Territory
Required by lawYou cannot legally do this work without it.
- Food handler trainingCertificate
Issued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- RSA certificate (NT)Certificate
Issued by Northern Territory Government (liquor licensing)
Related jobs
Common questions
- What licences or tickets do you need to work as a Waiter?
- In every state the law requires: Food handler training. New South Wales: RSA competency card (NSW). Victoria: RSA certificate (VIC). Queensland: RSA certificate (QLD). Western Australia: RSA certificate (WA). South Australia: RSA certificate (SA). Tasmania: RSA certificate (TAS). Australian Capital Territory: RSA certificate (ACT). Northern Territory: RSA certificate (NT). Pick your state on this page to see who issues each one and how to get it.
- What is the minimum pay for a Waiter?
- Minimum casual rate (adult, Level 2 (food and beverage attendant grade 2)): $33.85 an hour. Under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 (MA000119), from 1 July 2026. Last checked 10 Oct 2026.
- What are median earnings for a Waiter?
- Median earnings: $1,346 a week before tax (full-time workers, all experience levels, national; may cover a wider occupation group).