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Caterer/server vs waitstaff

The differences between caterer/servers and waitstaffs 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 $25,104 average annual salary of a waitstaff.

The top three skills for a caterer/server include customer service, food service and wine. The most important skills for a waitstaff are food service, beverage orders, and culinary.

Caterer/server vs waitstaff overview

Caterer/ServerWaitstaff
Yearly salary$33,737$25,104
Hourly rate$16.22$12.07
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs105,138130,467
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

Caterer/server vs waitstaff salary

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

Caterer/ServerWaitstaff
Average salary$33,737$25,104
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $46,000Between $19,000 And $32,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAFalmouth, MA
Highest paying stateWashingtonMassachusetts
Best paying companyLunds & ByerlysMayo Clinic
Best paying industryFinanceHealth Care

Differences between caterer/server and waitstaff education

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

Caterer/ServerWaitstaff
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Caterer/server vs waitstaff demographics

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

Caterer/ServerWaitstaff
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 36.9% Female, 63.1%Male, 27.3% Female, 72.7%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 8.4% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between caterer/server and waitstaff 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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Waitstaff example responsibilities.

  • Set up, work in, and manage the private room events as both bartender and waiter.
  • Assist with stocking of pantry when groceries arrive.
  • Cater private events and perform light bartending duties.
  • Increase total restaurant sales by upselling specials and top-shelf liquors.
  • Work regularly on the pass as well as a waiter.
  • Offer meal suggestions base on diverse culinary repertoire and expert food knowledge.
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Caterer/server vs waitstaff skills

Common caterer/server skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 7%
Common waitstaff skills
  • Food Service, 23%
  • Beverage Orders, 19%
  • Culinary, 19%
  • Team Work, 16%
  • Meal Orders, 8%
  • Wine, 3%

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