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Line server vs food handler

The differences between line servers and food handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a food handler has an average salary of $32,581, 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 food handler are basic math, customer service, and math.

Line server vs food handler overview

Line ServerFood Handler
Yearly salary$28,300$32,581
Hourly rate$13.61$15.66
Growth rate14%14%
Number of jobs246,165171,731
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 47%
Average age2323
Years of experience--

Line server vs food handler salary

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

Line ServerFood Handler
Average salary$28,300$32,581
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $36,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Syracuse, NY
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Syracuse University
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between line server and food handler education

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

Line ServerFood Handler
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Line server vs food handler demographics

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

Line ServerFood Handler
Average age2323
Gender ratioMale, 33.7% Female, 66.3%Male, 43.2% Female, 56.8%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between line server and food handler 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.
  • Show more

Food handler example responsibilities.

  • Set up and operate point of sales (POS) cash registers, receive money and return proper change.
  • Record patient information to gain knowledge of special allergies and special diets to promote better safety and health management.
  • Enter orders into POS system, report daily sales to managers, conduct monthly inventory, and perform heavy cash flow.
  • Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign station and service areas.
  • Maintain clean work areas including display cases, walk-in coolers, fryers and other cooking equipment.
  • Prepare and serve food samples using small appliances such as microwaves, fryers, skillets, coffee makers and knives.
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Line server vs food handler 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 food handler skills
  • Basic Math, 23%
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Math, 14%
  • Food Service, 6%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 6%
  • Food Orders, 4%

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