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Waitstaff vs kitchen staff

The differences between waitstaffs and kitchen staff can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a kitchen staff has an average salary of $29,816, which is higher than the $25,104 average annual salary of a waitstaff.

The top three skills for a waitstaff include food service, beverage orders and culinary. The most important skills for a kitchen staff are food handling, cleanliness, and sanitation standards.

Waitstaff vs kitchen staff overview

WaitstaffKitchen Staff
Yearly salary$25,104$29,816
Hourly rate$12.07$14.33
Growth rate10%2%
Number of jobs130,467154,513
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age2837
Years of experience--

What does a waitstaff do?

The waitstaff takes responsibility for tasks like recommending dishes based on the tastes and preferences of guests, accepting payments, and taking orders. Waitstaff delivers food to tables, ensures outstanding guest experience, and accepts payments. They work with diligence to get outstanding service quality and work with the other staff. It is part of their job to show customers their seats and provide menu options. They attend to tables for food service and guarantee cleanliness standard compliance.

What does a kitchen staff do?

The kitchen staff consists of preparation workers who execute several routine tasks as directed by chefs, food service managers, and cooks. These works should have the ability to follow cooking instructions and deliver well-prepared meals. Their responsibilities include the cleanup of dishes, cooking equipment, and the working stations. They also take charge of food safety regulations, storing and sorting of ingredients, and preparing foodstuff.

Waitstaff vs kitchen staff salary

Waitstaffs and kitchen staff have different pay scales, as shown below.

WaitstaffKitchen Staff
Average salary$25,104$29,816
Salary rangeBetween $19,000 And $32,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityFalmouth, MARedwood City, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyMayo ClinicThe Road Home
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between waitstaff and kitchen staff education

There are a few differences between a waitstaff and a kitchen staff in terms of educational background:

WaitstaffKitchen Staff
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Waitstaff vs kitchen staff demographics

Here are the differences between waitstaffs' and kitchen staff' demographics:

WaitstaffKitchen Staff
Average age2837
Gender ratioMale, 27.3% Female, 72.7%Male, 56.5% Female, 43.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 8.4% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 7.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between waitstaff and kitchen staff duties and responsibilities

Waitstaff example responsibilities.

  • Set up, work in, and manage the private room events as both bartender and waiter.
  • Assist with stocking of pantry when groceries arrive.
  • Cater private events and perform light bartending duties.
  • Increase total restaurant sales by upselling specials and top-shelf liquors.
  • Work regularly on the pass as well as a waiter.
  • Offer meal suggestions base on diverse culinary repertoire and expert food knowledge.
  • Show more

Kitchen staff example responsibilities.

  • Assist the catering manager to manage, prepare, cook and deliver each day s caterings.
  • Present an enjoyable and positive atmosphere while preparing an outstanding product, manage inventory, and maintain cleanliness
  • Conduct daily inspections for overall cleanliness of all areas and proper sanitizing of food preparation surfaces.
  • Increase sales by upselling and signing customers up for discount cards
  • Prep food for dinner dishes, bar back, work on fryers, and wash dishes.
  • Cook, wash dishes, serve customers, prepare food for caterings, and stock shelves.
  • Show more

Waitstaff vs kitchen staff skills

Common waitstaff skills
  • Food Service, 23%
  • Beverage Orders, 19%
  • Culinary, 19%
  • Team Work, 16%
  • Meal Orders, 8%
  • Wine, 3%
Common kitchen staff skills
  • Food Handling, 25%
  • Cleanliness, 21%
  • Sanitation Standards, 13%
  • Quality Food, 9%
  • Food Products, 7%
  • Meal Preparation, 5%

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