Server and hostess vs cocktail server

The differences between server and hostesses and cocktail servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a server and hostess has an average salary of $28,020, which is higher than the $26,178 average annual salary of a cocktail server.

The top three skills for a server and hostess include POS, food preparation and food orders. The most important skills for a cocktail server are wine, cash handling, and beverage orders.

Server and hostess vs cocktail server overview

	Server And Hostess	Cocktail Server
Yearly salary	$28,020	$26,178
Hourly rate	$13.47	$12.59
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	97,109	74,674
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age	28	28
Years of experience	-	-

What does a server and hostess do?

A server and hostess is an employee who plays the dual role of both a hostess and a server. As implied by this, a server and hostess is in-charge of welcoming guests as they enter the restaurant, ensuring that the guests' tables are ready before leading them to their assigned tables, handing over the menu, and waiting for the guests to finalize their order. Once the guests are ready to order, the server and hostess takes on the server role by bringing the guests' order to the kitchen, waiting for the food to be ready, and bringing the food to the guests' table.

What does a cocktail server do?

A cocktail server's responsibilities revolve around taking orders and serving drinks in a restaurant or similar establishment, ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction. Aside from this, a cocktail server may have to process payments, clean tables, and even offer suggestions when necessary. They also have to be alert for any signs of disruptive behavior from intoxicated to underage customers. Furthermore, it is essential to communicate and coordinate with the bartender and other kitchen staff to ensure that every patron gets their order, especially on days when there's a high customer presence.

Server and hostess vs cocktail server salary

Server and hostesses and cocktail servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Server And Hostess	Cocktail Server
Average salary	$28,020	$26,178
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $37,000	Between $16,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Binghamton, NY	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	New York	Washington
Best paying company	Blue Dolphin Energy	Aspen Snowmass
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Media

Differences between server and hostess and cocktail server education

There are a few differences between a server and hostess and a cocktail server in terms of educational background:

	Server And Hostess	Cocktail Server
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Server and hostess vs cocktail server demographics

Here are the differences between server and hostesses' and cocktail servers' demographics:

	Server And Hostess	Cocktail Server
Average age	28	28
Gender ratio	Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%	Male, 13.0% Female, 87.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 8.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 8.1% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between server and hostess and cocktail server duties and responsibilities

Server and hostess example responsibilities.

Assist guests in booking reservations and manage guest history data using OpenTable reservation system.
Provide quality customer service, process customer transactions utilizing proprietary POS system, skillfully handle cash and credit card transactions.
Perform bartending duties during busy events or whenever require.
Coordinate with kitchen managerial staff using POS systems to ensure timely and accurate order preparation.
Provide guests with an excellent dining experience by asking questions about allergies or preferences and initiating conversation for customer confidence.
Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.

Cocktail server example responsibilities.

Ensure club cleanliness and provide amazing customer service to every individual.
Experience handling money and using a cash register, as well as the micros systems.
Take customers' orders and input into POS, run food, bus tables, help other servers as needed.
Provide a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere for customers, while providing excellent service serving cocktails, wine and beer.
Greet guests, take orders, correctly enter food and beverages into POS terminal, and ensure efficient delivery of both.
Fluctuate between all shifts and floors, assist in bartending, and becoming a top selling server within a few months.

Server and hostess vs cocktail server skills

Common server and hostess skills

POS, 11%
Food Preparation, 10%
Food Orders, 9%
Customer Orders, 7%
Customer Service, 6%
Drink Orders, 5%

Common cocktail server skills

Wine, 13%
Cash Handling, 7%
Beverage Orders, 6%
Cleanliness, 6%
Guest Satisfaction, 6%
Customer Service, 5%

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Server And Hostess
Server And Hostess vs Cocktail Server

Updated January 8, 2025

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