Counter server vs food server

The differences between counter servers and food 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 $25,209 average annual salary of a food server.

The top three skills for a counter server include food handling, excellent guest and basic math. The most important skills for a food server are beverage orders, wine, and cleanliness.

Counter server vs food server overview

	Counter Server	Food Server
Yearly salary	$32,460	$25,209
Hourly rate	$15.61	$12.12
Growth rate	14%	9%
Number of jobs	85,069	125,455
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	23	42
Years of experience	-	-

Counter server vs food server salary

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

	Counter Server	Food Server
Average salary	$32,460	$25,209
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $43,000	Between $18,000 And $34,000
Highest paying City	-	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	-	Vermont
Best paying company	-	Gettysburg College
Best paying industry	-	Retail

Differences between counter server and food server education

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

	Counter Server	Food Server
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Counter server vs food server demographics

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

	Counter Server	Food Server
Average age	23	42
Gender ratio	Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0%	Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
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, 4.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 8.7% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	8%	7%

Differences between counter server and food server duties and responsibilities

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.

Food server example responsibilities.

Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.
Provide outstanding customer service by communicating clearly and effectively while maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the restaurant.
Serve tables in a busy caf /bar environment.
Handle all transactions, both in person and by headset in drive-thru.
Work the Drive-Thru counter assisting numerous customers at a fast and friendly pace.
Prepare and serve delicious espresso, coffee drinks, and smoothies according to memorize recipes.

Counter server vs food server skills

Common counter server skills

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

Common food server skills

Beverage Orders, 10%
Wine, 9%
Cleanliness, 9%
Customer Service, 9%
Guest Service, 6%
Cash Handling, 5%

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Counter Server vs Food Server

Updated January 8, 2025

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