Server and certified trainer vs food server

The differences between server and certified trainers and food servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a server and certified trainer has an average salary of $30,423, which is higher than the $25,209 average annual salary of a food server.

The top three skills for a server and certified trainer include customer service, new servers and POS. The most important skills for a food server are beverage orders, wine, and cleanliness.

Server and certified trainer vs food server overview

	Server And Certified Trainer	Food Server
Yearly salary	$30,423	$25,209
Hourly rate	$14.63	$12.12
Growth rate	10%	9%
Number of jobs	131,460	125,455
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	28	42
Years of experience	-	-

What does a server and certified trainer do?

A server and certified trainer is a wait staff position who takes orders and serves food and beverages to customers dining in the restaurant. Often known as the lead server, a server and certified trainer provides training to new server trainees to serve customers and handle payments. A server and a certified server should maintain a professional attitude in order to ensure guest satisfaction. He/She or she should also be highly knowledgeable about anything related to the computer system.

What does a food server do?

A Food Server specializes in helping customers attain a pleasant dining experience while ensuring to meet all food handling and health regulation standards. Most of the responsibilities revolve around greeting customers and directing them to comfortable seats, responding to their inquires and taking their orders, and courteously suggesting options. Aside from serving meals, Food Servers must also accept payments, organize order receipts, replenish stocks in food containers and drinking stations, and clean tables for the new customers.

Server and certified trainer vs food server salary

Server and certified trainers and food servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Server And Certified Trainer	Food Server
Average salary	$30,423	$25,209
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $38,000	Between $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 server and certified trainer and food server education

There are a few differences between a server and certified trainer and a food server in terms of educational background:

	Server And Certified Trainer	Food Server
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Server and certified trainer vs food server demographics

Here are the differences between server and certified trainers' and food servers' demographics:

	Server And Certified Trainer	Food Server
Average age	28	42
Gender ratio	Male, 33.2% Female, 66.8%	Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 8.3% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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 Percentage	6%	7%

Differences between server and certified trainer and food server duties and responsibilities

Server and certified trainer example responsibilities.

Shape potential employees into becoming quality salespeople by increasing sales through upselling and providing excellent customer service.
Train and execute all aspects of restaurant depending upon need, including cooking, bartending, etc.
Task of serving guess needs and training the new hire at bartending if do not know how to.
Train new employees in wine and food knowledge, use of POS computer systems, handling cash/reports, and guest service etiquette
Develop variety of menu items catering to customers with food allergies and diet restrictions such as gluten free or vegetarian options.
Collaborate POS operation-training sessions for new employees.

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.

Server and certified trainer vs food server skills

Common server and certified trainer skills

Customer Service, 29%
New Servers, 14%
POS, 7%
Guest Satisfaction, 5%
Fine Dining, 3%
Safety Procedures, 3%

Common food server skills

Beverage Orders, 10%
Wine, 9%
Cleanliness, 9%
Customer Service, 9%
Guest Service, 6%
Cash Handling, 5%

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Server And Certified Trainer
Server And Certified Trainer vs Food Server

Updated January 8, 2025

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