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Head waitress vs server and hostess

The differences between head waitresses and server and hostesses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a server and hostess has an average salary of $28,020, which is higher than the $27,306 average annual salary of a head waitress.

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

Head waitress vs server and hostess overview

Head WaitressServer And Hostess
Yearly salary$27,306$28,020
Hourly rate$13.13$13.47
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs72,32497,109
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

Head waitress vs server and hostess salary

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

Head WaitressServer And Hostess
Average salary$27,306$28,020
Salary rangeBetween $19,000 And $38,000Between $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 waitress and server and hostess education

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

Head WaitressServer And Hostess
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Head waitress vs server and hostess demographics

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

Head WaitressServer And Hostess
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 4.8% Female, 95.2%Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%
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, 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 waitress and server and hostess 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

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 waitress vs server and hostess skills

Common head waitress skills
  • Customer Service, 32%
  • Food Preparation, 7%
  • Customer Complaints, 5%
  • POS, 5%
  • Food Orders, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
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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