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Cashier/host vs server

The differences between cashiers/host and servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a server has an average salary of $29,901, which is higher than the $24,581 average annual salary of a cashier/host.

The top three skills for a cashier/host include cleanliness, host and excellent guest. The most important skills for a server are wine, customer service, and guest satisfaction.

Cashier/host vs server overview

Cashier/HostServer
Yearly salary$24,581$29,901
Hourly rate$11.82$14.38
Growth rate-10%10%
Number of jobs131,740162,734
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age3428
Years of experience--

What does a cashier/host do?

A cashier/host is responsible for facilitating the cash register processes and managing financial transactions. Cashier/hosts process reservations and online payments, respond to customers' inquiries and concerns, escalate high-level complaints, update customer's account information on the database, and perform various administrative and clerical tasks as needed. They also create comprehensive financial reports for management's review, including recommendations on cost-efficient strategies to minimize the company's loss without compromising high-quality services. A cashier/host must be analytical and communicative to maintain smooth operations and achieve the highest customer satisfaction.

What does a server do?

A server is a restaurant employee assigned to the main dining area of the restaurant to primarily attend to the customer's needs. Servers assist guests to their tables, wait for the guests to be ready with their orders, and take the guests' orders. They should be knowledgeable about the restaurant's offerings since they should be able to answer any questions asked by the guests regarding the menu. They communicate the guests' orders to the kitchen crew and serve the orders once they are ready. Once the guests are finished eating, servers provide their bills upon their request and clean up the table when they leave. Servers should have excellent customer service skills and hospitality management skills.

Cashier/host vs server salary

Cashiers/host and servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cashier/HostServer
Average salary$24,581$29,901
Salary rangeBetween $16,000 And $36,000Between $21,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityAustin, TXWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying company24 Carrots Catering and EventsDell
Best paying industryRetailHospitality

Differences between cashier/host and server education

There are a few differences between a cashier/host and a server in terms of educational background:

Cashier/HostServer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cashier/host vs server demographics

Here are the differences between cashiers/host' and servers' demographics:

Cashier/HostServer
Average age3428
Gender ratioMale, 42.7% Female, 57.3%Male, 32.0% Female, 68.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 25.0% Asian, 8.3% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 8.2% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage5%6%

Differences between cashier/host and server duties and responsibilities

Cashier/host example responsibilities.

  • Greet guests, answer phones, seat guests, prepare to-go orders, POS station, handle cash.
  • Answer telephone calls regarding group party reservations and business information.
  • Cook burgers at a timely manner and used fryers also wash dishes and close the store
  • Perform debit, credit and cash transactions, totale accountant on computer database, using specialize POS accounting software.
  • Restock supplies and maintain restaurant cleanliness.
  • Maintain an up-most standard for customer satisfaction and restaurant cleanliness.
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Server example responsibilities.

  • Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.
  • Provide exceptional customer service, while frequently checking for food allergies, by utilizing excellent communication and multitasking skills.
  • Maximize profits by upselling food and alcoholic beverages and utilizing excellent customer service skills to ensure guests repeat business.
  • Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
  • Provide exceptional service to guests with charm, professionalism, respect, and bright personality.
  • Embrace serving on a more personal level due the quaint, small-town charm of the location.
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Cashier/host vs server skills

Common cashier/host skills
  • Cleanliness, 19%
  • Host, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 11%
  • POS, 10%
  • Reservations, 7%
  • To-Go Orders, 6%
Common server skills
  • Wine, 15%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 8%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Cash Handling, 7%
  • POS, 6%