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Head server vs fine dining server

The differences between head servers and fine dining 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 $32,140 average annual salary of a fine dining server.

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

Head server vs fine dining server overview

Head ServerFine Dining Server
Yearly salary$111,194$32,140
Hourly rate$53.46$15.45
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs64,40577,549
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
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 fine dining server do?

Fine dining servers the people who make your stay at a restaurant enjoyable. They deliver well-written orders for the kitchen to prepare and bring your food and beverage. Being a fine dining server is no easy task, as certain skill sets need to be met in order to become an effective dining server. An efficient server is detail-oriented, observant to the needs of the diners, and intuitive. An extensive knowledge of wines and other specific food categories may be required depending on the restaurant.

Head server vs fine dining server salary

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

Head ServerFine Dining Server
Average salary$111,194$32,140
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $238,000Between $21,000 And $47,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between head server and fine dining server education

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

Head ServerFine Dining Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Head server vs fine dining server demographics

Here are the differences between head servers' and fine dining servers' demographics:

Head ServerFine Dining Server
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 39.6% Female, 60.4%
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, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 8.2% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between head server and fine dining 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

Fine dining server example responsibilities.

  • Schedule and prioritize workload while managing multiple tasks as a representative of this distinctive establishment frequent by wine enthusiasts.
  • Maintain Microsoft windows base computer system.
  • Work closely with management to implement new organizational systems to facilitate efficient wine service and inventory.
  • Craft featured cocktails and signature drinks when bartending.
  • Inform chefs if guests have any allergies or other requests.
  • Maintain cleanliness of work areas, china, glass, etc., throughout the day.
  • Show more

Head server vs fine dining server skills

Common head server skills
  • Customer Service, 33%
  • New Servers, 9%
  • POS, 6%
  • Fine Dining, 5%
  • Bartending, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 3%
Common fine dining server skills
  • Wine, 27%
  • Fine Dining, 24%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Beverage Orders, 4%
  • POS, 4%

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