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Head waitress vs cocktail waitress

The differences between head waitresses and cocktail waitresses 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 $26,819 average annual salary of a cocktail waitress.

The top three skills for a head waitress include customer service, food preparation and customer complaints. The most important skills for a cocktail waitress are customer service, drink orders, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Head waitress vs cocktail waitress overview

Head WaitressCocktail Waitress
Yearly salary$27,306$26,819
Hourly rate$13.13$12.89
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs72,32477,429
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

Head waitress vs cocktail waitress salary

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

Head WaitressCocktail Waitress
Average salary$27,306$26,819
Salary rangeBetween $19,000 And $38,000Between $19,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between head waitress and cocktail waitress education

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

Head WaitressCocktail Waitress
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Head waitress vs cocktail waitress demographics

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

Head WaitressCocktail Waitress
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 4.8% Female, 95.2%Male, 5.7% Female, 94.3%
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, 21.6% Asian, 7.8% White, 53.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between head waitress and cocktail waitress 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.
  • Show more

Cocktail waitress example responsibilities.

  • Offer first--class customer service to ensure VIP guests enjoy their club experiences in very fast--pace environment.
  • Relay orders to bar and kitchen quickly and accurately recording guest selections and keying into the POS system.
  • Assist bar tenders in peak hours and cash out customers as they exit the restaurant (POS cash register system).
  • Serve customers alcoholic beverages and accommodate VIP and special requests
  • Establish a positive relationship with co-workers and managers through a solid work ethic, positive attitude, punctuality and dependability.
  • Uphold a high level of professionalism, service, and attentiveness to guests.

Head waitress vs cocktail waitress skills

Common head waitress skills
  • Customer Service, 32%
  • Food Preparation, 7%
  • Customer Complaints, 5%
  • POS, 5%
  • Food Orders, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common cocktail waitress skills
  • Customer Service, 29%
  • Drink Orders, 10%
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages, 8%
  • POS, 8%
  • Beverage Orders, 5%
  • Bartending, 4%

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