Food handler vs food server

The differences between food handlers and food servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a food handler has an average salary of $32,581, which is higher than the $25,209 average annual salary of a food server.

The top three skills for a food handler include basic math, customer service and math. The most important skills for a food server are beverage orders, wine, and cleanliness.

Food handler vs food server overview

	Food Handler	Food Server
Yearly salary	$32,581	$25,209
Hourly rate	$15.66	$12.12
Growth rate	14%	9%
Number of jobs	171,731	125,455
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	23	42
Years of experience	-	-

Food handler vs food server salary

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

	Food Handler	Food Server
Average salary	$32,581	$25,209
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $39,000	Between $18,000 And $34,000
Highest paying City	Syracuse, NY	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Vermont
Best paying company	Syracuse University	Gettysburg College
Best paying industry	Finance	Retail

Differences between food handler and food server education

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

	Food Handler	Food Server
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Food handler vs food server demographics

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

	Food Handler	Food Server
Average age	23	42
Gender ratio	Male, 43.2% Female, 56.8%	Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
Race ratio	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%	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	8%	7%

Differences between food handler and food server duties and responsibilities

Food handler example responsibilities.

Set up and operate point of sales (POS) cash registers, receive money and return proper change.
Record patient information to gain knowledge of special allergies and special diets to promote better safety and health management.
Enter orders into POS system, report daily sales to managers, conduct monthly inventory, and perform heavy cash flow.
Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign station and service areas.
Maintain clean work areas including display cases, walk-in coolers, fryers and other cooking equipment.
Prepare and serve food samples using small appliances such as microwaves, fryers, skillets, coffee makers and knives.

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.

Food handler vs food server skills

Common food handler skills

Basic Math, 23%
Customer Service, 21%
Math, 14%
Food Service, 6%
Kitchen Equipment, 6%
Food Orders, 4%

Common food server skills

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

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Food Preparation and Restaurant Industry
Food Handler
Food Handler vs Food Server

Updated January 8, 2025

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