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Head waitress vs cocktail server

The differences between head waitresses and cocktail servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a head waitress has an average salary of $27,306, which is higher than the $26,178 average annual salary of a cocktail server.

The top three skills for a head waitress include customer service, food preparation and customer complaints. The most important skills for a cocktail server are wine, cash handling, and beverage orders.

Head waitress vs cocktail server overview

Head WaitressCocktail Server
Yearly salary$27,306$26,178
Hourly rate$13.13$12.59
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs72,32474,674
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

Head waitress vs cocktail server salary

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

Head WaitressCocktail Server
Average salary$27,306$26,178
Salary rangeBetween $19,000 And $38,000Between $16,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Aspen Snowmass
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between head waitress and cocktail server education

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

Head WaitressCocktail Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Head waitress vs cocktail server demographics

Here are the differences between head waitresses' and cocktail servers' demographics:

Head WaitressCocktail Server
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 4.8% Female, 95.2%Male, 13.0% Female, 87.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 8.3% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 8.1% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between head waitress and cocktail server duties and responsibilities

Head waitress example responsibilities.

  • Manage a recurring book of business of top VIP clients secure through networking.
  • Task with preparing all espresso beverages, smoothies, and food on the menu.
  • Operate POS terminals to input customers orders, swipe credit cards, and enter cash amounts receive.
  • Complete closing duties; assuring staff have fully restock inventory, closing out nightly sales and POS system.
  • Ensure requirements for all guests are met including small children, disable guests, and guests with allergies.
  • Prepare a wide variety of food and beverages such as smoothies, frappuccinos, sandwiches, and soup.
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Cocktail server example responsibilities.

  • Ensure club cleanliness and provide amazing customer service to every individual.
  • Experience handling money and using a cash register, as well as the micros systems.
  • Take customers' orders and input into POS, run food, bus tables, help other servers as needed.
  • Provide a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere for customers, while providing excellent service serving cocktails, wine and beer.
  • Greet guests, take orders, correctly enter food and beverages into POS terminal, and ensure efficient delivery of both.
  • Fluctuate between all shifts and floors, assist in bartending, and becoming a top selling server within a few months.
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Head waitress vs cocktail server skills

Common head waitress skills
  • Customer Service, 32%
  • Food Preparation, 7%
  • Customer Complaints, 5%
  • POS, 5%
  • Food Orders, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common cocktail server skills
  • Wine, 13%
  • Cash Handling, 7%
  • Beverage Orders, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%

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