Post job

Food and beverage attendant vs cocktail server

The differences between food and beverage attendants and cocktail servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cocktail server has an average salary of $26,178, which is higher than the $25,569 average annual salary of a food and beverage attendant.

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

Food and beverage attendant vs cocktail server overview

Food And Beverage AttendantCocktail Server
Yearly salary$25,569$26,178
Hourly rate$12.29$12.59
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs203,74774,674
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

What does a food and beverage attendant do?

Going to a restaurant to meet a smiling face is one of the world's greatest delights. When visiting a restaurant, the first smiling face that greets you is often that of a food and beverage attendant. Naturally, the role of a food and beverage attendant involves more than just smiling. They seat customers comfortably, address any complaints, and take customer orders. Their primary role is simply to keep restaurant customers satisfied.

What does a cocktail server do?

A cocktail server's responsibilities revolve around taking orders and serving drinks in a restaurant or similar establishment, ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction. Aside from this, a cocktail server may have to process payments, clean tables, and even offer suggestions when necessary. They also have to be alert for any signs of disruptive behavior from intoxicated to underage customers. Furthermore, it is essential to communicate and coordinate with the bartender and other kitchen staff to ensure that every patron gets their order, especially on days when there's a high customer presence.

Food and beverage attendant vs cocktail server salary

Food and beverage attendants and cocktail servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Food And Beverage AttendantCocktail Server
Average salary$25,569$26,178
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $32,000Between $16,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityHighland, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyTargetAspen Snowmass
Best paying industryGovernmentMedia

Differences between food and beverage attendant and cocktail server education

There are a few differences between a food and beverage attendant and a cocktail server in terms of educational background:

Food And Beverage AttendantCocktail Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Food and beverage attendant vs cocktail server demographics

Here are the differences between food and beverage attendants' and cocktail servers' demographics:

Food And Beverage AttendantCocktail Server
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 33.9% Female, 66.1%Male, 13.0% Female, 87.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 22.2% Asian, 9.1% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 8.1% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between food and beverage attendant and cocktail server duties and responsibilities

Food and beverage attendant example responsibilities.

  • Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.
  • Operate POS terminals to input customer orders, swipe credit cards and enter amounts receive.
  • Place plates, spoons, and bowls on the bar.
  • Keep the buffet stock with food, plates, and spoons.
  • Act as main bartender during schedule bartending shifts.
  • Wait tables, checking customer preferences and upselling specials.
  • Show more

Cocktail server example responsibilities.

  • Ensure club cleanliness and provide amazing customer service to every individual.
  • Experience handling money and using a cash register, as well as the micros systems.
  • Take customers' orders and input into POS, run food, bus tables, help other servers as needed.
  • Provide a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere for customers, while providing excellent service serving cocktails, wine and beer.
  • Greet guests, take orders, correctly enter food and beverages into POS terminal, and ensure efficient delivery of both.
  • Fluctuate between all shifts and floors, assist in bartending, and becoming a top selling server within a few months.
  • Show more

Food and beverage attendant vs cocktail server skills

Common food and beverage attendant skills
  • Cleanliness, 21%
  • Food Handling, 12%
  • Culinary, 10%
  • Guest Service, 6%
  • Math, 5%
  • Wine, 5%
Common cocktail server skills
  • Wine, 13%
  • Cash Handling, 7%
  • Beverage Orders, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs