All our advantages
Look to the future with serenity thanks to a comprehensive support.
See moreJob sheet
Dining room assistant
The dining room assistant supports the servers in setting up and serving tables in dining establishments. This role is essential to ensure smooth service and a quality customer experience.
Missions: Dining room assistant
The dining room assistant plays a key role in ensuring the smooth running of service in a restaurant. They are involved before, during, and after the service, working in coordination with the front-of-house team. Before customers arrive, the commis prepares the dining area by setting up tables, chairs, tableware, and linens, following the instructions of the chef de rang or maître d’hôtel. They ensure that every detail is spotless and meets the establishment's standards.
During service, they may welcome guests, bring dishes to the table, offer bread or water, and make sure that diners have everything they need. They act as a discreet but essential link between the kitchen and the dining room, handling back-and-forth tasks efficiently. They may also assist with plating and serving dishes or quickly and neatly clearing tables.
After customers leave, the commis de salle is responsible for clearing, cleaning, and resetting the room in preparation for the next service. Their reactivity, discretion, and efficiency help maintain a smooth and professional atmosphere throughout the meal.
Researched profile
- Excellent presentation and customer service skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team and under pressure.
- Willingness to learn and grow in the restaurant sector.
- Flexible hours, availability to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
Skills and training
A CAP in Brasserie-Café Service or a Bac Pro in Restaurant Services and Sales can provide a solid foundation for starting out as a commis de salle. Key skills include knowledge of service techniques, the ability to communicate effectively with both customers and the team, and a strong understanding of hygiene and safety regulations.
What is the salary of a dining room assistant?
The salary of a dining room assistant depends on several factors: experience, type of establishment, geographic location, and type of contract (permanent, fixed-term, or temporary). At the start of their career, a commis de salle typically earns between €1,430 and €1,500 net per month, slightly above the minimum wage (SMIC). This corresponds to a gross monthly salary of approximately €1,900 to €2,000, based on a 35-hour workweek.
With a few years of experience and increased responsibilities (such as partial service management or closer client interactions), the salary can rise to €1,600 to €1,800 net per month, particularly in fine dining restaurants, upscale hotels, or well-paid event catering. In Paris and other major cities, salaries may be slightly higher than the national average, and some temporary assignments may include benefits such as tips, meals, or end-of-mission bonuses.
On average, the annual gross salary of a commis de salle is estimated between €21,600 and €26,800, depending on experience and the type of establishment.
What career progression is possible for a commis de salle?
Commis de salle can advance to roles such as waiter, chef de rang, and eventually maître d’hôtel, with experience and continued training. This progression can lead to opportunities to supervise teams, manage service in prestigious venues, and interact directly with a diverse clientele.
What are the advantages of being a commis de salle?
The role of commis de salle offers many advantages for those looking to grow in the restaurant industry. It provides a fast-track opportunity to understand the operations of a dining room, to work directly with customers, and to learn alongside experienced professionals. It's an excellent starting point to progress toward more qualified positions such as chef de rang, maître d’hôtel, or restaurant manager. The role is also readily accessible, often without prior experience, particularly through temporary contracts.
What are the disadvantages of being a commis de salle?
However, the job also comes with certain challenges. Working hours are often irregular, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays. The work can be physically demanding, with long hours spent on your feet and a fast pace during service. A commis de salle must remain discreet, responsive, and able to handle stress, even in demanding customer-facing situations.
Working as a commis de salle through temp agencies
Working as a commis de salle on a temporary basis is a great way to gain valuable experience in various types of dining establishments, expand your professional network, and develop a broad skill set. Temporary work offers the flexibility to choose when and where to work, which is ideal for those balancing studies or other commitments with their career. It’s also an excellent entry point for newcomers to the industry, offering opportunities to secure permanent roles through successful placements.
Our sector coverage
All our sectors
We operate in more than 15 different sectors.
Join the 137,060 Staffmatch temp workers!
Being a Staffmatch temp worker
Staffmatch allows you to work freely and provides you with many advantages and exclusives features.
Candidates & temp workers
Enterprises
Resources
OUR MOBILE APPS
Download the temp worker app
Download the business appDownload our temp worker appDownload our business app
Download the temp worker appDownload the business appDownload our temp worker appDownload our business app