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Server and hostess vs fine dining server

The differences between server and hostesses and fine dining servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a fine dining server has an average salary of $32,140, which is higher than the $28,020 average annual salary of a server and hostess.

The top three skills for a server and hostess include POS, food preparation and food orders. The most important skills for a fine dining server are wine, fine dining, and cleanliness.

Server and hostess vs fine dining server overview

Server And HostessFine Dining Server
Yearly salary$28,020$32,140
Hourly rate$13.47$15.45
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs97,10977,549
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age2828
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 fine dining server do?

Fine dining servers the people who make your stay at a restaurant enjoyable. They deliver well-written orders for the kitchen to prepare and bring your food and beverage. Being a fine dining server is no easy task, as certain skill sets need to be met in order to become an effective dining server. An efficient server is detail-oriented, observant to the needs of the diners, and intuitive. An extensive knowledge of wines and other specific food categories may be required depending on the restaurant.

Server and hostess vs fine dining server salary

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

Server And HostessFine Dining Server
Average salary$28,020$32,140
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $37,000Between $21,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityBinghamton, NY-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companyBlue Dolphin Energy-
Best paying industryHospitality-

Differences between server and hostess and fine dining server education

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

Server And HostessFine Dining Server
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Server and hostess vs fine dining server demographics

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

Server And HostessFine Dining Server
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 18.3% Female, 81.7%Male, 39.6% Female, 60.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.4% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 8.2% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between server and hostess and fine dining 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.

Fine dining server example responsibilities.

  • Schedule and prioritize workload while managing multiple tasks as a representative of this distinctive establishment frequent by wine enthusiasts.
  • Maintain Microsoft windows base computer system.
  • Work closely with management to implement new organizational systems to facilitate efficient wine service and inventory.
  • Craft featured cocktails and signature drinks when bartending.
  • Inform chefs if guests have any allergies or other requests.
  • Maintain cleanliness of work areas, china, glass, etc., throughout the day.
    • Show more

Server and hostess vs fine dining 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 fine dining server skills
  • Wine, 27%
  • Fine Dining, 24%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Beverage Orders, 4%
  • POS, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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