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Restaurant server vs caterer/server

The differences between restaurant 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 $24,558 average annual salary of a restaurant server.

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

Restaurant server vs caterer/server overview

Restaurant ServerCaterer/Server
Yearly salary$24,558$33,737
Hourly rate$11.81$16.22
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs141,250105,138
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

Restaurant server vs caterer/server salary

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

Restaurant ServerCaterer/Server
Average salary$24,558$33,737
Salary rangeBetween $15,000 And $37,000Between $24,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyLunds & Byerlys
Best paying industryAgricultureFinance

Differences between restaurant server and caterer/server education

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

Restaurant ServerCaterer/Server
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Restaurant server vs caterer/server demographics

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

Restaurant ServerCaterer/Server
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 40.8% Female, 59.2%Male, 36.9% Female, 63.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 9.4% White, 52.2% 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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between restaurant server and caterer/server duties and responsibilities

Restaurant server example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate adequate culinary and Italian wine knowledge through suggestive selling.
  • Input orders in micros and issue guest check for each order.
  • Prepare the groceries for the customer in their request baggage handing.3.
  • Maintain clean, sanitize FOH area and ensure health & safety and hygiene procedures and standards are meet.
  • Work with operations manager in ordering and setting up all FOH systems need in opening a new restaurant.
  • Provide thorough knowledge of the restaurant's menu to make recommendations or answer questions, and enter POS charges.
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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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Restaurant server vs caterer/server skills

Common restaurant server skills
  • Wine, 28%
  • Exceptional Dining, 6%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 5%
  • Cleanliness, 5%
  • POS, 5%
  • Food Service, 5%
Common caterer/server skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Food Service, 9%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Exceptional Guest, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 7%

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