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Line runner vs food server

The differences between line runners and food servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a line runner has an average salary of $31,162, which is higher than the $25,209 average annual salary of a food server.

The top three skills for a line runner include sops, assembly line and pallets. The most important skills for a food server are beverage orders, wine, and cleanliness.

Line runner vs food server overview

Line RunnerFood Server
Yearly salary$31,162$25,209
Hourly rate$14.98$12.12
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs59,526125,455
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

Line runner vs food server salary

Line runners and food servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Line RunnerFood Server
Average salary$31,162$25,209
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $38,000Between $18,000 And $34,000
Highest paying City-Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state-Vermont
Best paying company-Gettysburg College
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between line runner and food server education

There are a few differences between a line runner and a food server in terms of educational background:

Line RunnerFood Server
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Line runner vs food server demographics

Here are the differences between line runners' and food servers' demographics:

Line RunnerFood Server
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 61.4% Female, 38.6%Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 8.7% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between line runner and food server duties and responsibilities

Line runner example responsibilities.

  • Set up and operate an extrusion machine in accordance with establish procedures and guidelines and customer requirements.
  • Lift raw materials, finish products, and pack items, manually or using hoists.

Food server example responsibilities.

  • Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.
  • Provide outstanding customer service by communicating clearly and effectively while maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the restaurant.
  • Serve tables in a busy caf /bar environment.
  • Handle all transactions, both in person and by headset in drive-thru.
  • Work the Drive-Thru counter assisting numerous customers at a fast and friendly pace.
  • Prepare and serve delicious espresso, coffee drinks, and smoothies according to memorize recipes.
  • Show more

Line runner vs food server skills

Common line runner skills
  • Sops, 23%
  • Assembly Line, 22%
  • Pallets, 21%
  • Line Equipment, 12%
  • Food Preparation, 5%
  • Quality Checks, 4%
Common food server skills
  • Beverage Orders, 10%
  • Wine, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Guest Service, 6%
  • Cash Handling, 5%

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