Cook/server vs cocktail server

The differences between cook/servers and cocktail servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cook/server has an average salary of $29,716, which is higher than the $26,178 average annual salary of a cocktail server.

The top three skills for a cook/server include customer service, customer orders and safety standards. The most important skills for a cocktail server are wine, cash handling, and beverage orders.

Cook/server vs cocktail server overview

	Cook/Server	Cocktail Server
Yearly salary	$29,716	$26,178
Hourly rate	$14.29	$12.59
Growth rate	14%	10%
Number of jobs	257,582	74,674
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age	23	28
Years of experience	-	-

What does a cook/server do?

Cooks/servers are employees who take on the dual role of being a cook and a server in the restaurant. They are usually trained cooks who are in charge of preparing meals for the guests. They prepare ingredients, cook them according to the recipe, and serve them to guests. They are responsible for ensuring that the food is prepared and served to guests within the promised time. They are in charge of managing the pantry, ensuring that the stock is fresh, and checking whether the stock is low. They are expected to have culinary skills, precision, and time management skills.

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.

Cook/server vs cocktail server salary

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

	Cook/Server	Cocktail Server
Average salary	$29,716	$26,178
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $37,000	Between $16,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Bellingham, WA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Washington
Best paying company	The Harley School	Aspen Snowmass
Best paying industry	Retail	Media

Differences between cook/server and cocktail server education

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

	Cook/Server	Cocktail Server
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Cook/server vs cocktail server demographics

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

	Cook/Server	Cocktail Server
Average age	23	28
Gender ratio	Male, 45.9% Female, 54.1%	Male, 13.0% Female, 87.0%
Race ratio	Black 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, 10.7% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 8.1% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	8%	6%

Differences between cook/server and cocktail 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.

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.

Cook/server vs cocktail server skills

Common cook/server skills

Customer Service, 41%
Customer Orders, 8%
Safety Standards, 6%
Food Preparation, 5%
Kitchen Equipment, 4%
POS, 4%

Common cocktail server skills

Wine, 13%
Cash Handling, 7%
Beverage Orders, 6%
Cleanliness, 6%
Guest Satisfaction, 6%
Customer Service, 5%

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Cook/Server
Cook/Server vs Cocktail Server

Updated January 8, 2025

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