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Cafe server vs cafe associate

The differences between cafe servers and cafe associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cafe associate has an average salary of $30,081, which is higher than the $26,967 average annual salary of a cafe server.

The top three skills for a cafe server include cleanliness, support tasks and customer satisfaction. The most important skills for a cafe associate are safety standards, food service, and groceries.

Cafe server vs cafe associate overview

Cafe ServerCafe Associate
Yearly salary$26,967$30,081
Hourly rate$12.96$14.46
Growth rate14%14%
Number of jobs188,74076,618
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age2323
Years of experience--

What does a cafe server do?

A cafe server is responsible for serving customer orders, ensuring timeliness and efficiency. In some establishments, they are the first to greet the customers, taking their orders courteously and professionally. They also assist by answering inquiries, offering products and other services, and solving issues and concerns if there is any to ensure customer satisfaction. They coordinate directly with kitchen staff to prepare orders and relay particular requests. Moreover, a cafe server also maintains the cleanliness of different areas and prepares tables for new customers.

What does a cafe associate do?

A cafe associate performs various support tasks to help maintain the smooth flow of operations at a cafe and ensure customer satisfaction. They ensure that the shelves are stocked with fresh and high-quality products by conducting regular evaluations and inspections, disposing of expired goods, and adding new products as necessary. They may also prepare or serve orders, make drinks using machines, and assist customers by answering inquiries or processing their payments. Moreover, a cafe associate must maintain an open communication line with co-workers and report to managers regularly.

Cafe server vs cafe associate salary

Cafe servers and cafe associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cafe ServerCafe Associate
Average salary$26,967$30,081
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $35,000Between $24,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City-Concord, NH
Highest paying state-Oregon
Best paying company-Bertucci's
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between cafe server and cafe associate education

There are a few differences between a cafe server and a cafe associate in terms of educational background:

Cafe ServerCafe Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common college--

Cafe server vs cafe associate demographics

Here are the differences between cafe servers' and cafe associates' demographics:

Cafe ServerCafe Associate
Average age2323
Gender ratioMale, 28.8% Female, 71.2%Male, 30.4% Female, 69.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between cafe server and cafe associate duties and responsibilities

Cafe server example responsibilities.

  • Serve food to fitness members, order taking on a POS system.
  • Provide orders, operate POS terminal, and serve food to spa and poolside guests.
  • Submit additional meal requirements, allergies, dietary needs, and special requests to the kitchen.
  • Maintain product presentation standards and cleanliness.
  • Meet company brand expectations of merchandising and cleanliness.
  • Establish a positive relationship with co-workers and managers through a solid work ethic, positive attitude, punctuality and dependability.
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Cafe associate example responsibilities.

  • tip counting and figuring for employees.
  • Prepare and serve specialty coffee drinks, smoothies and teas.
  • Better than average wine knowledge, both old and new world.
  • Train in all areas of retail including point of sale (POS), shipping and handling.
  • Enter all orders into the POS system accurately and efficiently.maintain a high level experience in a fast pace environment.
  • Maintain cleanliness around the department; also, communicate with members in a professional and respectful manner when assistance are needed.
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Cafe server vs cafe associate skills

Common cafe server skills
  • Cleanliness, 30%
  • Support Tasks, 24%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 22%
  • Wine, 4%
  • Health Code, 4%
  • Food Service, 2%
Common cafe associate skills
  • Safety Standards, 32%
  • Food Service, 30%
  • Groceries, 13%
  • SAM, 7%
  • Dishwashers, 3%
  • Cleanliness, 1%

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