Server and hostess vs food server

The differences between server and hostesses and food 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 $25,209 average annual salary of a food server.

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

Server and hostess vs food server overview

	Server And Hostess	Food Server
Yearly salary	$28,020	$25,209
Hourly rate	$13.47	$12.12
Growth rate	10%	9%
Number of jobs	97,109	125,455
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	28	42
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 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 hostess vs food server salary

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

	Server And Hostess	Food Server
Average salary	$28,020	$25,209
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $37,000	Between $18,000 And $34,000
Highest paying City	Binghamton, NY	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	New York	Vermont
Best paying company	Blue Dolphin Energy	Gettysburg College
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Retail

Differences between server and hostess and food server education

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

	Server And Hostess	Food Server
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Server and hostess vs food server demographics

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

	Server And Hostess	Food Server
Average age	28	42
Gender ratio	Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%	Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
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, 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 hostess and food 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.

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 hostess vs food 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 food server skills

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

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Food Preparation and Restaurant Industry
Server And Hostess
Server And Hostess vs Food Server

Updated January 8, 2025

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