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Food server vs caterer/server

The differences between food servers and caterer/servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a caterer/server has an average salary of $33,737, which is higher than the $25,209 average annual salary of a food server.

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

Food server vs caterer/server overview

Food ServerCaterer/Server
Yearly salary$25,209$33,737
Hourly rate$12.12$16.22
Growth rate9%10%
Number of jobs125,455105,138
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4228
Years of experience--

Food server vs caterer/server salary

Food servers and caterer/servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Food ServerCaterer/Server
Average salary$25,209$33,737
Salary rangeBetween $18,000 And $34,000Between $24,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateVermontWashington
Best paying companyGettysburg CollegeLunds & Byerlys
Best paying industryRetailFinance

Differences between food server and caterer/server education

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

Food ServerCaterer/Server
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Food server vs caterer/server demographics

Here are the differences between food servers' and caterer/servers' demographics:

Food ServerCaterer/Server
Average age4228
Gender ratioMale, 36.0% Female, 64.0%Male, 36.9% Female, 63.1%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage7%6%

Differences between food server and caterer/server duties and responsibilities

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.
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Caterer/server example responsibilities.

  • Experience caterer, providing services from assembling full-service buffets to serving guests at outside catering events and private parties at restaurants.
  • Handle cash and credit transactions accurately through the provided POS system
  • Perform accurate POS system transactions for in-seat patrons; beverage and alcohol orders.
  • Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign stations and service areas.
  • Experience training new employees, working as a server, service bartending, as well as catering large events.
  • Inventory control, stocking food and beverage trail, planning events, bartending, catering, and serving guest at parties.
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Food server vs caterer/server skills

Common food server skills
  • Beverage Orders, 10%
  • Wine, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Guest Service, 6%
  • Cash Handling, 5%
Common caterer/server skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 7%

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