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Head server vs front of house manager

The differences between head servers and front of house managers 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 $41,163 average annual salary of a front of house manager.

The top three skills for a head server include customer service, new servers and POS. The most important skills for a front of house manager are cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and wine.

Head server vs front of house manager overview

Head ServerFront Of House Manager
Yearly salary$111,194$41,163
Hourly rate$53.46$19.79
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs64,405221,210
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age2839
Years of experience-4

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 front of house manager do?

A front of house manager coordinates and supervises the front house team. Front of house managers make sure that every client receives a warm welcome. They see to it that all house services are performed smoothly. The scope of their duties and responsibilities may involve the recruitment of team members. They carry out administrative tasks in an organization or establishment such as a theater, concert hall, or restaurant. It is their job to handle the preparation and daily operations of these areas.

Head server vs front of house manager salary

Head servers and front of house managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head ServerFront Of House Manager
Average salary$111,194$41,163
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $238,000Between $27,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Cisco
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between head server and front of house manager education

There are a few differences between a head server and a front of house manager in terms of educational background:

Head ServerFront Of House Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Head server vs front of house manager demographics

Here are the differences between head servers' and front of house managers' demographics:

Head ServerFront Of House Manager
Average age2839
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%
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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 8.3% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%10%

Differences between head server and front of house manager 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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Front of house manager example responsibilities.

  • Plan and manage all windows design and implementations.
  • Manage a dedicate Linux web server; install new vhosts accounts including a cpanel via WHM software.
  • Manage the development of a hybrid Linux desktop deploy to an acquire company to aid in application integration.
  • Manage and full responsible for the daily operation of all bars outlet, main bar, and banquet bar service.
  • Manage all holiday reservations and seating including staffing of all cater events.
  • Manage daily operations of the front-of-the-house functions in the restaurant, including appearance, presentation, customer experience and professional leadership.
  • Show more

Head server vs front of house manager skills

Common head server skills
  • Customer Service, 33%
  • New Servers, 9%
  • POS, 6%
  • Fine Dining, 5%
  • Bartending, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 3%
Common front of house manager skills
  • Cleanliness, 16%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 8%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Guest Service, 8%
  • POS, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%

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