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Head server vs caterer/server

The differences between head servers and caterer/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 $33,737 average annual salary of a caterer/server.

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

Head server vs caterer/server overview

Head ServerCaterer/Server
Yearly salary$111,194$33,737
Hourly rate$53.46$16.22
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs64,405105,138
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

Head server vs caterer/server salary

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

Head ServerCaterer/Server
Average salary$111,194$33,737
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $238,000Between $24,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Lunds & Byerlys
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between head server and caterer/server education

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

Head ServerCaterer/Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Head server vs caterer/server demographics

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

Head ServerCaterer/Server
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 36.9% Female, 63.1%
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, 11.4% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between head server and caterer/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.
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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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Head server vs caterer/server skills

Common head server skills
  • Customer Service, 33%
  • New Servers, 9%
  • POS, 6%
  • Fine Dining, 5%
  • Bartending, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 3%
Common caterer/server skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 7%

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