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Cook/server vs caterer/server

The differences between cook/servers and caterer/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 $29,716 average annual salary of a cook/server.

The top three skills for a cook/server include customer service, customer orders and safety standards. The most important skills for a caterer/server are customer service, food service, and wine.

Cook/server vs caterer/server overview

Cook/ServerCaterer/Server
Yearly salary$29,716$33,737
Hourly rate$14.29$16.22
Growth rate14%10%
Number of jobs257,582105,138
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age2328
Years of experience--

Cook/server vs caterer/server salary

Cook/servers and caterer/servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cook/ServerCaterer/Server
Average salary$29,716$33,737
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $37,000Between $24,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityBellingham, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyThe Harley SchoolLunds & Byerlys
Best paying industryRetailFinance

Differences between cook/server and caterer/server education

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

Cook/ServerCaterer/Server
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Cook/server vs caterer/server demographics

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

Cook/ServerCaterer/Server
Average age2328
Gender ratioMale, 45.9% Female, 54.1%Male, 36.9% Female, 63.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.4% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between cook/server and caterer/server duties and responsibilities

Cook/server example responsibilities.

  • Develop ability to manage multiple stations simultaneously while maintaining high levels of culinary excellence.
  • Assist customers, bag groceries, replenish carts, and clean store.
  • Pay close attention to detail while multitasking between communicating over the intercom, utilizing the POS, and order placing.
  • Make smoothies, coffee, customer service, cashier, fill bakery cooler, inventory, stock, and clean!
  • Operate the filtration system used for the fryers to keep all sanitation guidelines up to standards as per the health department.
  • Operate, and maintain clean and safe cooking equipment like pressure cooker deep fryers, plate grills, and deep fryers.
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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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Cook/server vs caterer/server skills

Common cook/server skills
  • Customer Service, 41%
  • Customer Orders, 8%
  • Safety Standards, 6%
  • Food Preparation, 5%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 4%
  • POS, 4%
Common caterer/server skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 7%

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