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How Much is a Waitress’s Salary in Indonesia? Roles, Types, and the Latest Income Range
Briantama Afiq Ashari
Have you ever been confused by terms? waiter And waitress? Both are often used in the restaurant world, but many people still misunderstand the difference.
So, don't be mistaken, let's understand the difference between waiter and waitress so you can understand more about the world of hotels and restaurants!
What is the Difference Between Waiter and Waitress?
If you often eat at restaurants, you must have been served by someone waiter or waitress. Actually, What is the difference between waiter and waitress?? In simple terms, the difference lies in gender. Waiter is the term for a male servant, whereas waitress is a maid.
While this may seem a simple difference, in some cultures and work systems it can have quite a big impact. Some restaurants require balance to create a harmonious atmosphere.
Additionally, some guests may have certain preferences, for example feeling more comfortable being served by a male or female waiter based on their personal experience.
Types of Waitresses Based on Their Duties
Not all waitresses have the same role. In a restaurant or café, they can be categorized based on their specific tasks and positions. Here are four common types of waitresses in the F&B industry:
1. Greeter
A greeter is the first person who interacts with customers. Their main task is to welcome guests warmly, ask for the number of people in their party, and guide them to available tables.
This role is crucial, as it creates the first impression of the restaurant’s service. Greeters also often manage the waiting list during busy hours. A polite and communicative greeter can significantly enhance customer satisfaction.
2. Taking Order
Waitresses in this position are responsible for taking customer orders. They must have a strong understanding of the menu so they can answer questions about food and beverages.
Speed and accuracy are essential. The waitress must ensure that orders are correctly sent to the kitchen to avoid mistakes during service. In some establishments, they also handle customer payments after dining.
3. Food Checker
A food checker ensures that every dish leaving the kitchen matches the customer’s request. This role requires high attention to detail, from doneness levels and additional toppings to proper presentation.
In larger restaurants, this position is often separated to make the service process more efficient and reduce errors.
4. Runner
A runner delivers food and beverages from the kitchen to customers’ tables. Though it may seem simple, this job demands good coordination and speed. Runners must maintain cleanliness, punctuality, and stability to ensure that dishes are served in optimal condition.
In smaller cafés, this role is often combined with taking orders, especially when there are fewer staff members.
Main Duties and Responsibilities of a Waitress
Generally, a waitress plays an essential part in creating a comfortable dining experience. Below are the main responsibilities of a waitress:
- Greeting and guiding customers to available tables
- Presenting menus and explaining food recommendations when needed
- Talking orders and delivering them to the kitchen or cashier
- Serving food and beverages according to the order sequence
- Checking on customer satisfacation during the meal
- Clearing tables after customers finishing dining
- Managing payments accurately
- Keeping the work area clean and ensuring tables are ready for the next guests.
In addition to technical skills, a waitress must have good communication skills, a friendly attitude, and the ability to work under pressure. Speed and accuracy are key to providing excellent service.
Skills that Waiters and Waitresses Must Have
In the world of the restaurant business, the skills of a waiter are very important. Although there are difference between waiter and waitress, the skills required are almost the same. So, some of the skills you must have include:
1. Good communication
Must be able to explain menus and handle customer complaints. This includes understanding food ingredients, cooking methods, as well as providing recommendations according to customer tastes.
2. Speed and accuracy
Must be able to serve quickly without neglecting quality. Customers often don't like to wait long, so a waiter must be able to ensure all orders are delivered on time.
3. Multitasking ability
Good waiter or waitress often handles several orders at once. They must be able to remember multiple orders at the same time, deliver food correctly, and maintain friendliness towards guests.
4. Kindness and patience
Customers definitely want to be served with a smile. Not all customers arrive in good condition, some may be tired or annoyed. A waiter nor waitress Must be able to deal with various types of customers with professionalism.
5. Stress management
In a busy restaurant, work pressure can be very high. A waiter must be able to manage stress and still work efficiently without rushing or making mistakes.
So, it's not just a matter of gender, skills also really determine the quality of service! A waiter who has good communication skills and is quick at work will be more appreciated by customers and have the potential to earn bigger tips.
Waitress Salary Range in Indonesia
The salary of a waitress in Indonesia varies depending on the region, type of establishment, and level of experience.
The main factor influencing wages is the local minimum wage (UMK/UMR).
Waitresses in major cities like Jakarta or Surabaya typically earn higher salaries than those in regions with lower wage standards.
On average, a waitress working in a small café earns around Rp1,800,000–Rp3,000,000 per month, while those in mid-range restaurants can earn up to Rp4,000,000 per month.
In star-rated hotels, salaries tend to be higher due to greater responsibilities and higher service standards.
For part-time café waitresses, income is usually calculated hourly, around Rp20,000–Rp30,000 per hour.
Besides the base salary, waitresses often receive tips from customers, which can significantly boost monthly earnings, especially in busy establishments.
Therefore, a waitress’s income largely depends on location, working hours, and service quality.
Waiter and Waitress Career Opportunities
Source: Freepik
Many consider this job as a stepping stone before entering the larger business world. However, make no mistake! Good waiter nor waitress have many career opportunities. Anything? So, among them are:
- Restaurant supervisor: After several years of experience, waiters can be promoted to supervisor and be responsible for supervising the performance of other staff.
- Operations manager: This position requires someone to manage all restaurant operations, from ordering food ingredients to managing staff work schedules.
- Culinary business consultant: With years of experience, one can become a consultant who helps other restaurants improve the quality of their service and operations.
- Restaurant or cafe owner: Many successful entrepreneurs in the culinary industry started their careers as waiters. They learn directly from field experience before finally opening their own business.
As long as you are willing to learn and improve your skills, your career in this world can continue to grow!
Don't think of working as a restaurant waiter as just a temporary job, because there are many opportunities for those who are serious about pursuing a career in this industry.
Read Also: What are the Duties of a Restaurant Cashier? Here's the explanation!
Frequently Faced Challenges
Every job has its challenges, including being a job waiter And waitress. Here are some of the challenges they often face:
1. Long working hours
Especially during lunch or dinner time, it will definitely be very busy! Waiters often have to work longer than the specified schedule, especially when the restaurant is busy.
2. Dealing with customers is difficult
Some customers can be chatty or difficult to serve. A waiter must be able to remain calm and professional even when dealing with unpleasant customers.
3. Demand to always be friendly and fast
You have to keep smiling even though you are tired. This can be a big challenge for those who are having a bad day or feeling unwell.
4. Pressure in maintaining service standards
Restaurants have certain service standards that each waiter must adhere to. They must always work efficiently and keep the quality of service high.
Therefore, becoming a waiter and waitress is not an easy job. It requires patience and high professionalism.
FAQ About Waitresses
1. What’s the difference between a full-time and part-time waitress?
A full-time waitress works fixed hours and receives a monthly salary, while a part-time waitress has flexible hours and is paid per hour or per shift.
2. What are the career prospects for a waitress?
Career opportunities are promising. With experience and good performance, a waitress can be promoted to cashier, supervisor, or even restaurant manager.
3. Is a waitress responsible for cleanliness in the dining area?
Yes. In addition to serving customers, waitresses usually help keep the dining area and tables clean to maintain customer comfort.
Read more: Understanding American Service: Presentation Style and Its Advantages
Conclusion
The waitress profession plays a crucial role in creating a pleasant dining experience for customers.
Although waitress salaries vary by region and type of establishment, this job remains a vital part of the ever-growing culinary industry.
Behind the friendly and attentive service, there’s a system that must operate efficiently to keep customers satisfied and the business competitive.
For F&B business owners, the first step to improving operational efficiency can start by transitioning to ESB’s digital ecosystem.
Through integrated systems such as POS, ERP, kiosks, online ordering, supply chain management, and customer queue systems, business management becomes easier, faster, and more efficient.
A POS system that’s directly connected to the kitchen display also helps the kitchen crew process orders more quickly and accurately.
With ESB’s technology support, culinary businesses can grow more optimally and deliver the best experience for every customer at every table.
Contact the ESB team today for consultation and digitalization solutions for your culinary business.
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