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Caterer/server vs dining room server

The differences between caterer/servers and dining room 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 $29,540 average annual salary of a dining room server.

The top three skills for a caterer/server include customer service, food service and wine. The most important skills for a dining room server are fine dining, food service, and cleanliness.

Caterer/server vs dining room server overview

Caterer/ServerDining Room Server
Yearly salary$33,737$29,540
Hourly rate$16.22$14.20
Growth rate10%9%
Number of jobs105,13899,079
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Average age2839
Years of experience--

Caterer/server vs dining room server salary

Caterer/servers and dining room servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Caterer/ServerDining Room Server
Average salary$33,737$29,540
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $46,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAMarysville, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyLunds & ByerlysEastmont School District
Best paying industryFinanceHospitality

Differences between caterer/server and dining room server education

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

Caterer/ServerDining Room Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Caterer/server vs dining room server demographics

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

Caterer/ServerDining Room Server
Average age2839
Gender ratioMale, 36.9% Female, 63.1%Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian, 7.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between caterer/server and dining room server duties and responsibilities

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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Dining room server example responsibilities.

  • Schedule all reservations and plan seating arrangements with management prior to dinner service.
  • Contribute wine and food pairing knowledge to allow for guarantee customer satisfaction during dining experience.
  • Clean and polish glass shelves and doors of service bars and equipment.
  • Used a POS to charge members and their guests for monthly billing.
  • Assist in overseeing the day-to-day operations and performance of the VIP service team.
  • Coordinate VIP services including; greet and check in VIP's as they arrive at the hotel.
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Caterer/server vs dining room server skills

Common caterer/server skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 7%
Common dining room server skills
  • Fine Dining, 13%
  • Food Service, 12%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Wine, 7%
  • Beverage Orders, 7%
  • Food Handling, 5%

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