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Cocktail server vs bartender

The differences between cocktail servers and bartenders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bartender has an average salary of $26,362, which is higher than the $26,178 average annual salary of a cocktail server.

The top three skills for a cocktail server include wine, cash handling and beverage orders. The most important skills for a bartender are wine, bartending, and exceptional guest.

Cocktail server vs bartender overview

Cocktail ServerBartender
Yearly salary$26,178$26,362
Hourly rate$12.59$12.67
Growth rate10%18%
Number of jobs74,67457,518
Job satisfaction-4.67
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age2834
Years of experience-2

What does a cocktail server do?

A cocktail server's responsibilities revolve around taking orders and serving drinks in a restaurant or similar establishment, ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction. Aside from this, a cocktail server may have to process payments, clean tables, and even offer suggestions when necessary. They also have to be alert for any signs of disruptive behavior from intoxicated to underage customers. Furthermore, it is essential to communicate and coordinate with the bartender and other kitchen staff to ensure that every patron gets their order, especially on days when there's a high customer presence.

What does a bartender do?

A bartender is an expert in mixing and serving alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, either directly to customers at the bar or through waitstaff who place drink orders for dine-in or room customers. Bartenders should have a wide range of knowledge of drink recipes and be able to assess customers' needs and preferences to make recommendations. They should mix drinks accurately, quickly, and without waste. They are also responsible for checking the customers' identification to ensure they are of legal drinking age and monitor the level of their intoxication.

Cocktail server vs bartender salary

Cocktail servers and bartenders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cocktail ServerBartender
Average salary$26,178$26,362
Salary rangeBetween $16,000 And $42,000Between $16,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonHawaii
Best paying companyAspen SnowmassOTTO
Best paying industryMediaHospitality

Differences between cocktail server and bartender education

There are a few differences between a cocktail server and a bartender in terms of educational background:

Cocktail ServerBartender
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cocktail server vs bartender demographics

Here are the differences between cocktail servers' and bartenders' demographics:

Cocktail ServerBartender
Average age2834
Gender ratioMale, 13.0% Female, 87.0%Male, 39.7% Female, 60.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 8.1% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 3.7% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%8%

Differences between cocktail server and bartender duties and responsibilities

Cocktail server example responsibilities.

  • Ensure club cleanliness and provide amazing customer service to every individual.
  • Experience handling money and using a cash register, as well as the micros systems.
  • Take customers' orders and input into POS, run food, bus tables, help other servers as needed.
  • Provide a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere for customers, while providing excellent service serving cocktails, wine and beer.
  • Greet guests, take orders, correctly enter food and beverages into POS terminal, and ensure efficient delivery of both.
  • Fluctuate between all shifts and floors, assist in bartending, and becoming a top selling server within a few months.
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Bartender example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage all new bartenders achieving significant results in their productivity and knowledge.
  • Manage bar and staff, tend bar, DJ and operate karaoke equipment.
  • Manage and promote company Facebook account.
  • Provide seamless beverage service, managing inventory and operating POS terminal.
  • Manage payroll and timekeeping including completion of proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
  • Direct bartending operations, overseeing beverage service, scheduling, inventory management and customer service.
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Cocktail server vs bartender skills

Common cocktail server skills
  • Wine, 13%
  • Cash Handling, 7%
  • Beverage Orders, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%
Common bartender skills
  • Wine, 23%
  • Bartending, 10%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages, 5%
  • Cash Handling, 4%

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