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Counter server vs server and hostess

The differences between counter servers and server and hostesses 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 $28,020 average annual salary of a server and hostess.

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

Counter server vs server and hostess overview

Counter ServerServer And Hostess
Yearly salary$32,460$28,020
Hourly rate$15.61$13.47
Growth rate14%10%
Number of jobs85,06997,109
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age2328
Years of experience--

Counter server vs server and hostess salary

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

Counter ServerServer And Hostess
Average salary$32,460$28,020
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $43,000Between $21,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City-Binghamton, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Blue Dolphin Energy
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between counter server and server and hostess education

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

Counter ServerServer And Hostess
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Counter server vs server and hostess demographics

Here are the differences between counter servers' and server and hostesses' demographics:

Counter ServerServer And Hostess
Average age2328
Gender ratioMale, 28.0% Female, 72.0%Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%
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, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 8.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between counter server and server and hostess 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.

Server and hostess example responsibilities.

  • Assist guests in booking reservations and manage guest history data using OpenTable reservation system.
  • Provide quality customer service, process customer transactions utilizing proprietary POS system, skillfully handle cash and credit card transactions.
  • Perform bartending duties during busy events or whenever require.
  • Coordinate with kitchen managerial staff using POS systems to ensure timely and accurate order preparation.
  • Provide guests with an excellent dining experience by asking questions about allergies or preferences and initiating conversation for customer confidence.
  • Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.

Counter server vs server and hostess skills

Common counter server skills
  • Food Handling, 24%
  • Excellent Guest, 19%
  • Basic Math, 14%
  • Wine, 9%
  • Cash Handling, 6%
  • Culinary, 6%
Common server and hostess skills
  • POS, 11%
  • Food Preparation, 10%
  • Food Orders, 9%
  • Customer Orders, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Drink Orders, 5%

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