Workers and Workeresses, Employer, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Workforce Benchmarks: 2026 Data

StopHighTurnover Research is pleased to present a comprehensive analysis of workforce benchmarks for the occupation classified as "workers and workeresses, employer, lounge, and coffee shop," identified by the ONET-SOC code 35-9031.00. This article provides employers with critical insights into the labor market for these roles, drawing upon the latest verified data from ONET OnLine and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The objective is to equip organizations with an evidence-led understanding of occupational size, projected demand, and compensation standards to inform strategic workforce planning and recruitment initiatives. This research is published on August 13, 2026.

The occupation encompasses a broad range of roles primarily focused on customer service and operational support within lounge and coffee shop environments. These professionals are integral to the daily functioning and customer experience of such establishments. Understanding the dynamics of this specific labor market is crucial for employers facing recurring hiring needs, particularly given the consistent demand and characteristics of the roles.

Understanding the Occupational Landscape

The ONET-SOC 35-9031.00 classification, "workers and workeresses, employer, lounge, and coffee shop," represents a significant segment of the service industry workforce. These roles involve a variety of tasks that contribute directly to customer satisfaction and business operations. According to ONET data, the core work activities for this occupation often include interacting with customers, processing transactions, preparing food and beverages, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment [9]. The work context typically involves face-to-face discussions, working with the public, and often requires standing for extended periods in a fast-paced setting [10].

For employers, a detailed understanding of these inherent characteristics is fundamental to effective job design, training programs, and retention strategies. The nature of the work, which frequently involves direct customer interaction and repetitive tasks, influences both the skills required of applicants and the potential for turnover if job expectations or support systems are not adequately managed.

Current Occupational Size: 2024 Job Count

As of 2024, the occupation of "workers and workeresses, employer, lounge, and coffee shop" comprised 429,900 jobs nationally. This figure represents the total estimated employment count for this specific O*NET-SOC code across the United States. The magnitude of this number underscores the substantial scale of this workforce, indicating a widespread presence of these roles within the service economy. For employers, this statistic provides a benchmark for market size and potential talent pool. A large occupational base suggests a generally accessible labor market, though competition for skilled and reliable workers can still be significant depending on local conditions and specific employer needs.

The unit of measurement for this statistic is individual jobs, representing distinct employment positions. The cohort for this data is the entire U.S. workforce within the defined O*NET-SOC classification in the year 2024. This figure is a snapshot in time, offering a foundational understanding of the occupation's current footprint. While the total number of jobs is substantial, it is important to interpret this within the context of the dynamic nature of the service industry. Employers should consider this national benchmark as an indicator of overall market capacity, recognizing that regional variations in employment concentration will exist. The consistent demand for these roles across various lounge and coffee shop settings contributes to this significant national job count [1, 5].

Projected Workforce Dynamics: 2026 Annual Openings

The labor market for "workers and workeresses, employer, lounge, and coffee shop" is characterized by a high volume of projected annual openings. O*NET data indicates an estimated 107,700 projected annual openings for this occupation. This projection is a critical metric for employers, signaling the expected demand for new hires each year due to both occupational growth and replacement needs. Replacement needs arise when workers leave the occupation for various reasons, such as retirement, career changes, or moving to different industries.

The unit of measurement here is projected annual openings, representing the estimated average number of job vacancies over a future period, in this case, projected as of 2026. This high number of openings, exceeding one-quarter of the total job count annually, suggests a consistently dynamic labor market environment. For employers, this implies that recruitment is likely to be an ongoing process rather than an intermittent activity. A significant portion of these openings are driven by the need to replace workers who exit the occupation, highlighting the importance of effective retention strategies in mitigating recruitment costs and maintaining operational stability.

The consistent need to fill approximately 107,700 positions each year underscores the competitive nature of hiring within this sector [1]. Employers should anticipate a continuous cycle of recruitment, candidate screening, and onboarding. This necessitates robust and efficient hiring processes, alongside proactive efforts to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce voluntary turnover. The implications for workforce planning are clear: organizations with recurring hiring needs in this occupation must allocate consistent resources to talent acquisition and invest in strategies that foster employee loyalty and engagement to minimize the impact of churn. Understanding the tasks associated with the role, such as taking customer orders, preparing and serving food and beverages, and collecting payments, can help tailor recruitment to specific skill sets and expectations [4].

Compensation Benchmarks: 2025 Median Annual Wage

Compensation is a pivotal factor in attracting and retaining talent. For "workers and workeresses, employer, lounge, and coffee shop," the median annual wage was $31,200 as of 2025. This figure serves as a national benchmark for employer compensation strategies. The term "median" indicates that half of the workers in this occupation earned more than this amount, and half earned less. It is generally considered a more representative measure than the average wage, as it is less susceptible to distortion by a small number of extremely high or low salaries.

The unit of measurement for this statistic is the median annual wage in U.S. dollars. The cohort for this data is the national population of workers in O*NET-SOC 35-9031.00, with the wage data reflecting conditions in 2025. This median wage typically represents gross earnings before taxes and other deductions and, as clarified in the frequently asked questions, generally excludes the value of non-wage benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. Employers should interpret this figure as a baseline for competitive pay. While it provides a valuable national context, local market conditions, cost of living, and specific employer benefits packages will influence the actual compensation required to attract and retain talent in a given area.

When evaluating compensation, employers must consider their total rewards package, which includes not only base wages but also any tips, bonuses, and non-wage benefits offered. The $31,200 median wage provides a point of reference for where a typical worker in this occupation stands nationally [2]. Organizations aiming to reduce high turnover may need to assess whether their compensation package, when viewed holistically, is competitive enough to attract and retain workers who have numerous other job opportunities, as indicated by the high number of projected annual openings. The relatively high volume of projected openings suggests that workers have options, which can place upward pressure on wages or necessitate more attractive non-wage benefits to differentiate an employer.

Occupational Characteristics and Employer Considerations

A deeper dive into the specific characteristics of the "workers and workeresses, employer, lounge, and coffee shop" occupation reveals several key insights for employers. O*NET details for 35-9031.00 describe a role that demands a blend of interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and physical stamina [3]. Work activities frequently involve performing for or working directly with the public, selling or influencing others, and handling and moving objects [9]. These activities highlight the customer-centric nature of the roles and the importance of hiring individuals with strong communication and service orientation.

The work context further elaborates on the environment in which these professionals operate. It often includes exposure to minor burns, cuts, or other injuries, and requires the ability to work under pressure [10]. This context suggests that employers should prioritize workplace safety training and provide adequate equipment and support. The need for face-to-face discussions and working with the public also underscores the importance of soft skills such as active listening, social perceptiveness, and coordination. Employers should consider these attributes during the hiring process and incorporate them into training and performance evaluations.

Given the high number of projected annual openings, understanding these detailed occupational characteristics becomes even more critical for effective recruitment and retention. Employers who clearly define the physical and interpersonal demands of the job, and who provide appropriate training and support, are better positioned to attract suitable candidates and reduce turnover. For instance, tasks such as cleaning work areas, equipment, and utensils, or stocking service areas with supplies, point to the need for individuals who are organized and meticulous [4]. Aligning job descriptions, training, and workplace culture with these inherent occupational characteristics can significantly improve the employer's ability to maintain a stable workforce.

The educational and training assignments for this occupation typically indicate that a high school diploma or equivalent is common, with short-term on-the-job training often sufficient for entry-level positions [6]. This accessibility means a broad talent pool, but also implies that employers must invest in their own structured training programs to ensure consistency in service delivery and operational standards. The industry occupation matrix shows these roles are concentrated in food services and drinking places, reinforcing the specific context of these benchmarks [7].

Findings and limitations

The analysis of "workers and workeresses, employer, lounge, and coffee shop" (O*NET-SOC 35-9031.00) reveals a substantial and dynamic labor market. Key findings include 429,900 jobs in 2024, indicating a large occupational footprint. The projection of 107,700 annual openings highlights a consistently high demand for new hires, driven by both growth and replacement needs. The median annual wage of $31,200 in 2025 provides a national compensation benchmark. These figures underscore the necessity for employers in this sector to maintain ongoing recruitment efforts and to focus on retention strategies to manage the high volume of workforce transitions. The detailed occupational characteristics, including work activities and context, emphasize the customer-facing and often physically demanding nature of these roles, requiring specific interpersonal and operational skills.

It is crucial to acknowledge the limitations inherent in national benchmarks. While these statistics provide a robust overview, they are national averages and do not account for regional or local variations. Wages, for instance, can differ significantly based on geographic location, local cost of living, and specific employer benefits packages. Similarly, the competition for talent and the actual number of available applicants can vary widely across different metropolitan areas or rural settings. The data reflects specific timeframes: job counts for 2024, median wages for 2025, and projections as of 2026. Labor market conditions are subject to change, and these benchmarks represent the most current verified data available at the time of publication. Employers should use these national figures as a foundational reference point, supplementing them with localized market intelligence for precise strategic decision-making. Causal claims regarding turnover or specific hiring outcomes based solely on these national figures would be an oversimplification; these benchmarks provide context, not direct causal links to individual business performance.

Conclusion

The "Workers and Workeresses, Employer, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Workforce Benchmarks: 2026 Data" provides employers with an essential framework for understanding the labor market dynamics of ONET-SOC 35-9031.00. The significant number of jobs (429,900 in 2024) and the substantial projected annual openings (107,700) collectively indicate a large, active, and high-turnover occupational segment. The $31,200 median annual wage for 2025 sets a national compensation expectation. For employers operating in lounge and coffee shop environments, these benchmarks highlight the strategic imperative of continuous recruitment and robust retention programs. Understanding the specific work activities and context of these roles, as detailed by ONET, further enables employers to tailor their hiring practices and support systems effectively. By leveraging these verified national data points, employers can develop more informed workforce strategies, aiming to stabilize their teams and ensure operational continuity in a consistently dynamic labor market.

Data sources and methodology

The data presented in this research article is derived from authoritative sources, primarily ONET OnLine and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ONET OnLine, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides comprehensive occupational information, including job descriptions, worker characteristics, and labor market data. The BLS is the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and economic measures in the U.S. economy.

The job count for 2024, projected annual openings, and the median annual wage for 2025 are sourced directly from ONET and BLS data sets pertaining to ONET-SOC 35-9031.00, "workers and workeresses, employer, lounge, and coffee shop." The projection data reflects the most recent available forecasts from these agencies. The methodology employed by O*NET and BLS involves extensive surveys, data collection, and statistical modeling to produce reliable estimates of employment, wages, and occupational projections. The specific links provided in the Sources section direct to the detailed data for this occupation, including its summary, wage information, and occupational characteristics such as tasks, work activities, and work context. All figures are presented as national aggregates, reflecting the overall U.S. labor market for this specific occupation. The publication date of this article is August 13, 2026, ensuring that the analysis utilizes the latest verified information available.

Sources

1. O*NET occupation summary for 35-9031.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
2. National wages for 35-9031.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
3. Occupation details for 35-9031.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
4. Occupation tasks for 35-9031.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
5. Occupational Projections and Worker Characteristics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025-08-28.
6. Education and Training Assignments by Detailed Occupation, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025-08-28.
7. Industry Occupation Matrix by Occupation, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025-08-28.
8. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2026-05-15.
9. Work activities for 35-9031.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
10. Work context for 35-9031.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What does "workers and workeresses, employer, lounge, and coffee shop" refer to? This is the specific ONET-SOC occupational classification (35-9031.00) used by ONET and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to categorize roles primarily involved in serving customers and preparing items in lounge and coffee shop environments.

How current is the data presented in this article? This article utilizes the latest available verified data, reflecting job counts for 2024, median wages for 2025, and projections as of 2026, as sourced from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The publication date of this article is August 13, 2026.

What is the significance of "projected annual openings" for my business? Projected annual openings indicate the estimated number of job vacancies expected each year due to both new job creation and replacement needs (workers leaving the occupation). A high number of openings, such as the 107,700 for this occupation, signals a consistently dynamic labor market, requiring employers to maintain ongoing recruitment efforts to fill positions.

Does the $31,200 median annual wage include benefits? The $31,200 is a median annual wage, representing gross earnings before taxes and deductions, typically excluding the value of non-wage benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. Employers should consider their total compensation package when evaluating competitiveness.

Can I apply these national benchmarks directly to my local market? While national benchmarks provide a valuable context, they are averages and do not fully account for local market variations in wages, cost of living, or specific labor supply and demand. Employers are advised to use these benchmarks as a starting point and supplement them with local wage data and market intelligence for precise strategic decisions.