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Fast food server vs food server

The differences between fast food servers and food servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a fast food server has an average salary of $30,266, which is higher than the $25,209 average annual salary of a food server.

The top three skills for a fast food server include cleanliness, food orders and food handling. The most important skills for a food server are beverage orders, wine, and cleanliness.

Fast food server vs food server overview

Fast Food ServerFood Server
Yearly salary$30,266$25,209
Hourly rate$14.55$12.12
Growth rate14%9%
Number of jobs182,816125,455
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 62%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age2342
Years of experience--

Fast food server vs food server salary

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

Fast Food ServerFood Server
Average salary$30,266$25,209
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $38,000Between $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 fast food server and food server education

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

Fast Food ServerFood Server
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 62%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Fast food server vs food server demographics

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

Fast Food ServerFood Server
Average age2342
Gender ratioMale, 45.4% Female, 54.6%Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
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, 4.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 8.7% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage8%7%

Differences between fast food server and food server duties and responsibilities

Fast food server example responsibilities.

  • Describe menu items and daily specials in detail and provide recommendations including wine pairing options.
  • Preform equipment maintenance to ensure proper tolerances for precise mowing conditions.

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.
  • Show more

Fast food server vs food server skills

Common fast food server skills
  • Cleanliness, 33%
  • Food Orders, 24%
  • Food Handling, 9%
  • Safety Standards, 8%
  • Drive-Thru, 7%
  • Customer Complaints, 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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