Dishwasher/server vs food server

The differences between dishwasher/servers and food servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a dishwasher/server has an average salary of $28,063, which is higher than the $25,209 average annual salary of a food server.

The top three skills for a dishwasher/server include wash dishes, customer service and clean kitchen. The most important skills for a food server are beverage orders, wine, and cleanliness.

Dishwasher/server vs food server overview

	Dishwasher/Server	Food Server
Yearly salary	$28,063	$25,209
Hourly rate	$13.49	$12.12
Growth rate	16%	9%
Number of jobs	92,239	125,455
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	36	42
Years of experience	-	-

Dishwasher/server vs food server salary

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

	Dishwasher/Server	Food Server
Average salary	$28,063	$25,209
Salary range	Between $22,000 And $35,000	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 dishwasher/server and food server education

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

	Dishwasher/Server	Food Server
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Dishwasher/server vs food server demographics

Here are the differences between dishwasher/servers' and food servers' demographics:

	Dishwasher/Server	Food Server
Average age	36	42
Gender ratio	Male, 66.6% Female, 33.4%	Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 5.7% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%	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	5%	7%

Differences between dishwasher/server and food server duties and responsibilities

Dishwasher/server example responsibilities.

Complete end-of-shift cleaning duties to maximize dining area cleanliness
Work from dishwasher to bartender performing various tasks to ensure customer satisfaction
Work BOH in a fast pace environment with food make to order as customers want it.

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.

Dishwasher/server vs food server skills

Common dishwasher/server skills

Wash Dishes, 28%
Customer Service, 13%
Clean Kitchen, 12%
Fine Dining, 11%
Food Service, 8%
Dishwashers, 5%

Common food server skills

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

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Dishwasher/Server vs Food Server

Updated January 8, 2025

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