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Line server vs caterer/server

The differences between line servers and caterer/servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a caterer/server has an average salary of $33,737, which is higher than the $28,300 average annual salary of a line server.

The top three skills for a line server include customer service, quality customer service and exceptional guest. The most important skills for a caterer/server are customer service, food service, and wine.

Line server vs caterer/server overview

Line ServerCaterer/Server
Yearly salary$28,300$33,737
Hourly rate$13.61$16.22
Growth rate14%10%
Number of jobs246,165105,138
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age2328
Years of experience--

Line server vs caterer/server salary

Line servers and caterer/servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Line ServerCaterer/Server
Average salary$28,300$33,737
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $36,000Between $24,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Lunds & Byerlys
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between line server and caterer/server education

There are a few differences between a line server and a caterer/server in terms of educational background:

Line ServerCaterer/Server
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Line server vs caterer/server demographics

Here are the differences between line servers' and caterer/servers' demographics:

Line ServerCaterer/Server
Average age2328
Gender ratioMale, 33.7% Female, 66.3%Male, 36.9% Female, 63.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between line server and caterer/server duties and responsibilities

Line server example responsibilities.

  • Customer-Orient fast food worker with deep experience with POS systems, food preparation and safety regulations.
  • Experience with making smoothies and hot beverages while making sure customers are satisfied.
  • Take food and drink orders and receive payment from customers, accurately process payment methods via POS system.
  • Establish a positive relationship with co-workers and managers through a solid work ethic, positive attitude, punctuality and dependability.
  • Operate a commercial dishwasher to clean and sanitize flatware, glassware, utensils, and pots and pans.
  • Set correct water temperature and correct amount of dish soap for dishwasher to ensure dishes are clean and sanitize.
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Caterer/server example responsibilities.

  • Experience caterer, providing services from assembling full-service buffets to serving guests at outside catering events and private parties at restaurants.
  • Handle cash and credit transactions accurately through the provided POS system
  • Perform accurate POS system transactions for in-seat patrons; beverage and alcohol orders.
  • Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign stations and service areas.
  • Experience training new employees, working as a server, service bartending, as well as catering large events.
  • Inventory control, stocking food and beverage trail, planning events, bartending, catering, and serving guest at parties.
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Line server vs caterer/server skills

Common line server skills
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Quality Customer Service, 20%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Excellent Guest, 6%
  • Safety Standards, 4%
  • Food Safety, 3%
Common caterer/server skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 7%

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