Counter helper vs counter server

The differences between counter helpers and counter servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a counter server has an average salary of $32,460, which is higher than the $31,028 average annual salary of a counter helper.

The top three skills for a counter helper include POS, customer service and food orders. The most important skills for a counter server are food handling, excellent guest, and basic math.

Counter helper vs counter server overview

	Counter Helper	Counter Server
Yearly salary	$31,028	$32,460
Hourly rate	$14.92	$15.61
Growth rate	14%	14%
Number of jobs	84,190	85,069
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Average age	23	23
Years of experience	-	-

Counter helper vs counter server salary

Counter helpers and counter servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Counter Helper	Counter Server
Average salary	$31,028	$32,460
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $40,000	Between $24,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	Vancouver, WA	-
Highest paying state	Maine	-
Best paying company	The George Washington University	-
Best paying industry	Hospitality	-

Differences between counter helper and counter server education

There are a few differences between a counter helper and a counter server in terms of educational background:

	Counter Helper	Counter Server
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Counter helper vs counter server demographics

Here are the differences between counter helpers' and counter servers' demographics:

	Counter Helper	Counter Server
Average age	23	23
Gender ratio	Male, 26.7% Female, 73.3%	Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between counter helper and counter server duties and responsibilities

Counter helper example responsibilities.

Require to use mental math when counting back change to the customer.
Assist customers, serve drinks and food, run the cash register and clean.
Communicate clearly and positively with co-workers and management.
Monitor guest for intoxication and immediately report concerns to management.
Replace or attach bar code labels on every ammunition containers for identification and location.
Develop leadership skills by mentoring new employees, prioritizing and delegating tasks.

Counter server example responsibilities.

Answer telephones and enter orders into POS system.
Operate POS terminal to process customers' orders, swipe credit cards, and enter cash amounts.
Provide guests with an excellent dining experience by asking questions about allergies or preferences and initiating conversation for customer confidence.
Prepare some salads, shakes, smoothies, and juices.
Monitor guest for intoxication and immediately report concerns to management.

Counter helper vs counter server skills

Common counter helper skills

POS, 19%
Customer Service, 12%
Food Orders, 12%
Customer Satisfaction, 7%
Customer Complaints, 6%
Steam Tables, 5%

Common counter server skills

Food Handling, 24%
Excellent Guest, 19%
Basic Math, 14%
Wine, 9%
Cash Handling, 6%
Culinary, 6%

Counter Helper vs. similar jobs

Counter Helper related careers

Counter Helper related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Food Preparation and Restaurant Industry
Counter Helper
Counter Helper vs Counter Server

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs