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Head server vs server and hostess

The differences between head servers and server and hostesses 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 $28,020 average annual salary of a server and hostess.

The top three skills for a head server include customer service, new servers and POS. The most important skills for a server and hostess are POS, food preparation, and food orders.

Head server vs server and hostess overview

Head ServerServer And Hostess
Yearly salary$111,194$28,020
Hourly rate$53.46$13.47
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs64,40597,109
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%High School Diploma, 39%
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 server and hostess do?

A server and hostess is an employee who plays the dual role of both a hostess and a server. As implied by this, a server and hostess is in-charge of welcoming guests as they enter the restaurant, ensuring that the guests' tables are ready before leading them to their assigned tables, handing over the menu, and waiting for the guests to finalize their order. Once the guests are ready to order, the server and hostess takes on the server role by bringing the guests' order to the kitchen, waiting for the food to be ready, and bringing the food to the guests' table.

Head server vs server and hostess salary

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

Head ServerServer And Hostess
Average salary$111,194$28,020
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $238,000Between $21,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City-Binghamton, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Blue Dolphin Energy
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between head server and server and hostess education

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

Head ServerServer And Hostess
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Head server vs server and hostess demographics

Here are the differences between head servers' and server and hostesses' demographics:

Head ServerServer And Hostess
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%
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, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 8.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between head server and server and hostess 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

Server and hostess example responsibilities.

  • Assist guests in booking reservations and manage guest history data using OpenTable reservation system.
  • Provide quality customer service, process customer transactions utilizing proprietary POS system, skillfully handle cash and credit card transactions.
  • Perform bartending duties during busy events or whenever require.
  • Coordinate with kitchen managerial staff using POS systems to ensure timely and accurate order preparation.
  • Provide guests with an excellent dining experience by asking questions about allergies or preferences and initiating conversation for customer confidence.
  • Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.

Head server vs server and hostess skills

Common head server skills
  • Customer Service, 33%
  • New Servers, 9%
  • POS, 6%
  • Fine Dining, 5%
  • Bartending, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 3%
Common server and hostess skills
  • POS, 11%
  • Food Preparation, 10%
  • Food Orders, 9%
  • Customer Orders, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Drink Orders, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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