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Bartender vs caterer/server

The differences between bartenders and caterer/servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a caterer/server has an average salary of $33,737, which is higher than the $26,362 average annual salary of a bartender.

The top three skills for a bartender include wine, bartending and exceptional guest. The most important skills for a caterer/server are customer service, food service, and wine.

Bartender vs caterer/server overview

BartenderCaterer/Server
Yearly salary$26,362$33,737
Hourly rate$12.67$16.22
Growth rate18%10%
Number of jobs57,518105,138
Job satisfaction4.67-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age3428
Years of experience2-

Bartender vs caterer/server salary

Bartenders and caterer/servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

BartenderCaterer/Server
Average salary$26,362$33,737
Salary rangeBetween $16,000 And $43,000Between $24,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateHawaiiWashington
Best paying companyOTTOLunds & Byerlys
Best paying industryHospitalityFinance

Differences between bartender and caterer/server education

There are a few differences between a bartender and a caterer/server in terms of educational background:

BartenderCaterer/Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Bartender vs caterer/server demographics

Here are the differences between bartenders' and caterer/servers' demographics:

BartenderCaterer/Server
Average age3428
Gender ratioMale, 39.7% Female, 60.3%Male, 36.9% Female, 63.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 3.7% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between bartender and caterer/server duties and responsibilities

Bartender example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage all new bartenders achieving significant results in their productivity and knowledge.
  • Manage bar and staff, tend bar, DJ and operate karaoke equipment.
  • Manage and promote company Facebook account.
  • Provide seamless beverage service, managing inventory and operating POS terminal.
  • Manage payroll and timekeeping including completion of proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
  • Direct bartending operations, overseeing beverage service, scheduling, inventory management and customer service.
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Caterer/server example responsibilities.

  • Experience caterer, providing services from assembling full-service buffets to serving guests at outside catering events and private parties at restaurants.
  • Handle cash and credit transactions accurately through the provided POS system
  • Perform accurate POS system transactions for in-seat patrons; beverage and alcohol orders.
  • Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign stations and service areas.
  • Experience training new employees, working as a server, service bartending, as well as catering large events.
  • Inventory control, stocking food and beverage trail, planning events, bartending, catering, and serving guest at parties.
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Bartender vs caterer/server skills

Common bartender skills
  • Wine, 23%
  • Bartending, 10%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages, 5%
  • Cash Handling, 4%
Common caterer/server skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 7%

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