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Head server vs banquet server

The differences between head servers and banquet servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a head server has an average salary of $111,194, which is higher than the $29,017 average annual salary of a banquet server.

The top three skills for a head server include customer service, new servers and POS. The most important skills for a banquet server are wine, cleanliness, and food service.

Head server vs banquet server overview

Head ServerBanquet Server
Yearly salary$111,194$29,017
Hourly rate$53.46$13.95
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs64,405125,381
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

What does a head server do?

A head server is primarily in charge of supervising waiters in a restaurant or similar setting, ensuring customer satisfaction. Aside from leading a team of servers, they also assist customers by offering menus, taking and serving orders, even providing suggestions when needed. Moreover, they usually delegate tasks, manage schedules, respond to inquiries, and address issues and concerns, giving corrective measures. As a head server, it is also essential to lead and encourage the team, all while implementing the restaurant's policies and health standards.

What does a banquet server do?

A banquet server is responsible for assisting guests in food catering events. Banquet servers' duties include arranging tables as the client desires, preparing the catering setup, refilling foods and beverages, managing guests' inquiries and possible complaints, keeping the food area clean, and maintaining the highest sanitation standards for the guests' best banquet experience. A banquet server should have excellent communication and time-management skills, especially on serving guests that would require utmost care and safe handling.

Head server vs banquet server salary

Head servers and banquet servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head ServerBanquet Server
Average salary$111,194$29,017
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $238,000Between $20,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Endicott College
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between head server and banquet server education

There are a few differences between a head server and a banquet server in terms of educational background:

Head ServerBanquet Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Head server vs banquet server demographics

Here are the differences between head servers' and banquet servers' demographics:

Head ServerBanquet Server
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 7.9% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between head server and banquet server duties and responsibilities

Head server example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage all BOH employees.
  • Manage all servers' end of night cash out and prepare host and bartending tip out.
  • Manage opening and closing duties, including restocking items and insuring the FOH are clean and shut down correctly.
  • Manage technical support, business analysis, project management, application development and support, training, and facilitation.
  • Help drive and increase restaurant sales by upselling and highlighting off menu items.
  • Train new employees on operating the micros system and on self-presentation and customer service.
  • Show more

Banquet server example responsibilities.

  • Provide professional bartending and hospitality services to optimize customer service experiences for private, corporate, and public events.
  • Create PowerPoint food presentations for training purposes.
  • Gain skills in customer dining service, hospitality and compassion.
  • Analyze BEOs to ensure rooms are prepare each day for schedule events.
  • Organize and run every event book through cold calling or past guests.
  • Review BEOs in order to ensure proper room setup and A/V requests are meet.
  • Show more

Head server vs banquet server skills

Common head server skills
  • Customer Service, 33%
  • New Servers, 9%
  • POS, 6%
  • Fine Dining, 5%
  • Bartending, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 3%
Common banquet server skills
  • Wine, 12%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Professional Appearance, 5%
  • Beverage Service, 5%

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