Cafeteria server vs line server

The differences between cafeteria servers and line servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cafeteria server has an average salary of $29,674, which is higher than the $28,300 average annual salary of a line server.

The top three skills for a cafeteria server include clean kitchen, quality customer service and portion control. The most important skills for a line server are customer service, quality customer service, and exceptional guest.

Cafeteria server vs line server overview

	Cafeteria Server	Line Server
Yearly salary	$29,674	$28,300
Hourly rate	$14.27	$13.61
Growth rate	14%	14%
Number of jobs	74,546	246,165
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	23	23
Years of experience	-	-

Cafeteria server vs line server salary

Cafeteria servers and line servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cafeteria Server	Line Server
Average salary	$29,674	$28,300
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $37,000	Between $21,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between cafeteria server and line server education

There are a few differences between a cafeteria server and a line server in terms of educational background:

	Cafeteria Server	Line Server
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Cafeteria server vs line server demographics

Here are the differences between cafeteria servers' and line servers' demographics:

	Cafeteria Server	Line Server
Average age	23	23
Gender ratio	Male, 28.7% Female, 71.3%	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
Race ratio	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%	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 Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between cafeteria server and line server duties and responsibilities

Cafeteria server example responsibilities.

Manage event reservations and party requests, inform customers about upcoming events and specials.
Establish a positive relationship with co-workers and managers through a solid work ethic, positive attitude, punctuality and dependability.
Develop credibility and confidence with VIP guests by maintaining confidentiality and complying with company standards.

Line server example responsibilities.

Customer-Orient fast food worker with deep experience with POS systems, food preparation and safety regulations.
Experience with making smoothies and hot beverages while making sure customers are satisfied.
Take food and drink orders and receive payment from customers, accurately process payment methods via POS system.
Establish a positive relationship with co-workers and managers through a solid work ethic, positive attitude, punctuality and dependability.
Operate a commercial dishwasher to clean and sanitize flatware, glassware, utensils, and pots and pans.
Set correct water temperature and correct amount of dish soap for dishwasher to ensure dishes are clean and sanitize.

Cafeteria server vs line server skills

Common cafeteria server skills

Clean Kitchen, 37%
Quality Customer Service, 21%
Portion Control, 14%
Food Products, 8%
Service Line, 7%
Kitchen Equipment, 7%

Common line server skills

Customer Service, 21%
Quality Customer Service, 20%
Exceptional Guest, 7%
Excellent Guest, 6%
Safety Standards, 4%
Food Safety, 3%

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Cafeteria Server
Cafeteria Server vs Line Server

Updated January 8, 2025

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