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Food porter vs food server

The differences between food porters and food servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a food porter has an average salary of $31,881, which is higher than the $25,209 average annual salary of a food server.

The top three skills for a food porter include cleanliness, casino floor and kitchen equipment. The most important skills for a food server are beverage orders, wine, and cleanliness.

Food porter vs food server overview

Food PorterFood Server
Yearly salary$31,881$25,209
Hourly rate$15.33$12.12
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs57,175125,455
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

Food porter vs food server salary

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

Food PorterFood Server
Average salary$31,881$25,209
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 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 food porter and food server education

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

Food PorterFood Server
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorLiberal ArtsBusiness
Most common college--

Food porter vs food server demographics

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

Food PorterFood Server
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 85.7% Female, 14.3%Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 7.9% White, 59.8% 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 Percentage7%7%

Differences between food porter and food server duties and responsibilities

Food porter example responsibilities.

  • Organize schedules for employees and set payroll -Provide direction and solve employee problems -Be extremely personable & manage stock control
  • Maintain cleanliness of the dining area and food prep stations throughout the day.
  • Maintain cleanliness of restaurant exterior and interior.
  • Assist with planning and directing food preparation and culinary activities along with safely handling and storing all products appropriately.
  • Operate dishwasher or assist with washing/ sterilizing dishes, glassware, silverware, utensils, etc.
  • Receive numerous awards for upselling specials and increasing check averages.

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

Food porter vs food server skills

Common food porter skills
  • Cleanliness, 34%
  • Casino Floor, 23%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 22%
  • Food Handling, 15%
  • Customer Orders, 2%
  • Food Carts, 2%
Common food server skills
  • Beverage Orders, 10%
  • Wine, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Guest Service, 6%
  • Cash Handling, 5%

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