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Fast food server vs line server

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

The top three skills for a fast food server include cleanliness, food orders and food handling. The most important skills for a line server are customer service, quality customer service, and exceptional guest.

Fast food server vs line server overview

Fast Food ServerLine Server
Yearly salary$30,266$28,300
Hourly rate$14.55$13.61
Growth rate14%14%
Number of jobs182,816246,165
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 62%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age2323
Years of experience--

Fast food server vs line server salary

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

Fast Food ServerLine Server
Average salary$30,266$28,300
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $38,000Between $21,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between fast food server and line server education

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

Fast Food ServerLine Server
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 62%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Fast food server vs line server demographics

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

Fast Food ServerLine Server
Average age2323
Gender ratioMale, 45.4% Female, 54.6%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 fast food server and line 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.

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

Fast food server vs line 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 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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