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Head waitress vs server

The differences between head waitresses and servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a server has an average salary of $29,901, 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 are wine, customer service, and guest satisfaction.

Head waitress vs server overview

Head WaitressServer
Yearly salary$27,306$29,901
Hourly rate$13.13$14.38
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs72,324162,734
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

Head waitress vs server salary

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

Head WaitressServer
Average salary$27,306$29,901
Salary rangeBetween $19,000 And $38,000Between $21,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Dell
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between head waitress and server education

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

Head WaitressServer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Head waitress vs server demographics

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

Head WaitressServer
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 4.8% Female, 95.2%Male, 32.0% Female, 68.0%
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, 12.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 8.2% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between head waitress and 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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Server example responsibilities.

  • Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.
  • Provide exceptional customer service, while frequently checking for food allergies, by utilizing excellent communication and multitasking skills.
  • Maximize profits by upselling food and alcoholic beverages and utilizing excellent customer service skills to ensure guests repeat business.
  • Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
  • Provide exceptional service to guests with charm, professionalism, respect, and bright personality.
  • Embrace serving on a more personal level due the quaint, small-town charm of the location.
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Head waitress vs server skills

Common head waitress skills
  • Customer Service, 32%
  • Food Preparation, 7%
  • Customer Complaints, 5%
  • POS, 5%
  • Food Orders, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common server skills
  • Wine, 15%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 8%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Cash Handling, 7%
  • POS, 6%

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