Post job

Lead server vs cocktail server

The differences between lead servers and cocktail servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead server has an average salary of $28,677, which is higher than the $26,178 average annual salary of a cocktail server.

The top three skills for a lead server include customer service, new servers and fine dining. The most important skills for a cocktail server are wine, cash handling, and beverage orders.

Lead server vs cocktail server overview

Lead ServerCocktail Server
Yearly salary$28,677$26,178
Hourly rate$13.79$12.59
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs123,21574,674
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

What does a lead server do?

A lead server is responsible for assisting the guests' needs, responding to their inquiries, and immediately addressing their dining concerns. Lead servers ensure the timely and accurate serving of orders, offering promotional menus and other additional services. Lead servers must have excellent communication skills to interact with the guests, as well as time-management and multitasking skills to perform duties in the fast-paced environment. They also help in developing strategic procedures and food menu recommendations by researching on the latest food trends in the industry to generate revenues and attract more customers.

What does a cocktail server do?

A cocktail server's responsibilities revolve around taking orders and serving drinks in a restaurant or similar establishment, ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction. Aside from this, a cocktail server may have to process payments, clean tables, and even offer suggestions when necessary. They also have to be alert for any signs of disruptive behavior from intoxicated to underage customers. Furthermore, it is essential to communicate and coordinate with the bartender and other kitchen staff to ensure that every patron gets their order, especially on days when there's a high customer presence.

Lead server vs cocktail server salary

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

Lead ServerCocktail Server
Average salary$28,677$26,178
Salary rangeBetween $11,000 And $70,000Between $16,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateHawaiiWashington
Best paying companyMicrosoftAspen Snowmass
Best paying industryHospitalityMedia

Differences between lead server and cocktail server education

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

Lead ServerCocktail Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Lead server vs cocktail server demographics

Here are the differences between lead servers' and cocktail servers' demographics:

Lead ServerCocktail Server
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 37.5% Female, 62.5%Male, 13.0% Female, 87.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 53.7% 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 lead server and cocktail server duties and responsibilities

Lead server example responsibilities.

  • Establish payroll policies and manage multiple areas of restaurant operations.
  • Manage technical support, business analysis, project management, application development and support, training, and facilitation.
  • Provide leadership to crew and shift managers guaranteeing great quality, customer service and cleanliness according to the public health code.
  • Train new employees on police, procedures, and micros system.
  • Take orders from customers, input orders into micros, and obtain payment and provide change.
  • Execute bartending duties and prepare service bar drinks (wine tasting flights, glass pours, cocktails, etc . )
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Lead server vs cocktail server skills

Common lead server skills
  • Customer Service, 22%
  • New Servers, 11%
  • Fine Dining, 9%
  • POS, 7%
  • Food Service, 6%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 4%
Common cocktail server skills
  • Wine, 13%
  • Cash Handling, 7%
  • Beverage Orders, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs