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Counter server vs line server

The differences between counter servers and line 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 $28,300 average annual salary of a line server.

The top three skills for a counter server include food handling, excellent guest and basic math. The most important skills for a line server are customer service, quality customer service, and exceptional guest.

Counter server vs line server overview

Counter ServerLine Server
Yearly salary$32,460$28,300
Hourly rate$15.61$13.61
Growth rate14%14%
Number of jobs85,069246,165
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age2323
Years of experience--

Counter server vs line server salary

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

Counter ServerLine Server
Average salary$32,460$28,300
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $43,000Between $21,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between counter server and line server education

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

Counter ServerLine Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Counter server vs line server demographics

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

Counter ServerLine Server
Average age2323
Gender ratioMale, 28.0% Female, 72.0%Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between counter server and line 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.

Line server example responsibilities.

  • Customer-Orient fast food worker with deep experience with POS systems, food preparation and safety regulations.
  • Experience with making smoothies and hot beverages while making sure customers are satisfied.
  • Take food and drink orders and receive payment from customers, accurately process payment methods via POS system.
  • Establish a positive relationship with co-workers and managers through a solid work ethic, positive attitude, punctuality and dependability.
  • Operate a commercial dishwasher to clean and sanitize flatware, glassware, utensils, and pots and pans.
  • Set correct water temperature and correct amount of dish soap for dishwasher to ensure dishes are clean and sanitize.
  • Show more

Counter server vs line server skills

Common counter server skills
  • Food Handling, 24%
  • Excellent Guest, 19%
  • Basic Math, 14%
  • Wine, 9%
  • Cash Handling, 6%
  • Culinary, 6%
Common line server skills
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Quality Customer Service, 20%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Excellent Guest, 6%
  • Safety Standards, 4%
  • Food Safety, 3%

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