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The differences between server/baristas and lead servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a server/barista has an average salary of $30,749, which is higher than the $28,677 average annual salary of a lead server.
The top three skills for a server/barista include cleanliness, wine and customer service. The most important skills for a lead server are customer service, new servers, and fine dining.
| Server/Barista | Lead Server | |
| Yearly salary | $30,749 | $28,677 |
| Hourly rate | $14.78 | $13.79 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 173,073 | 123,215 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Average age | 23 | 28 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A server/barista is someone who makes and serves beverages and foods, such as coffee, tea, and sandwiches or baked goods. He/She or she should be able to explain menu items to customers to ensure customer satisfaction. Other responsibilities include knowing food and beverage quality controls and updating displays to attract customers. The core skills that a server/barista should possess include excellent listening and communication skills and the ability to cope up with a physically demanding work environment. A candidate with a high school diploma or equivalent could qualify for the position.
A lead server is responsible for assisting the guests' needs, responding to their inquiries, and immediately addressing their dining concerns. Lead servers ensure the timely and accurate serving of orders, offering promotional menus and other additional services. Lead servers must have excellent communication skills to interact with the guests, as well as time-management and multitasking skills to perform duties in the fast-paced environment. They also help in developing strategic procedures and food menu recommendations by researching on the latest food trends in the industry to generate revenues and attract more customers.
Server/baristas and lead servers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Server/Barista | Lead Server | |
| Average salary | $30,749 | $28,677 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $40,000 | Between $11,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a server/barista and a lead server in terms of educational background:
| Server/Barista | Lead Server | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between server/baristas' and lead servers' demographics:
| Server/Barista | Lead Server | |
| Average age | 23 | 28 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.2% Female, 71.8% | Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |