Food Preparation and Serving Occupations
Employment of food preparation and serving related occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations, from about 12.5 million jobs to about 13.3 million jobs. Population growth will increase demand for food preparation and serving related occupations as more people are expected to dine out in the future.
Food preparation and serving related occupations is the lowest paid occupational group, with a median annual wage of $20,810 in May 2016.
| OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION  |
2016 MEDIAN PAY |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bartenders |
Bartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff. |
No formal educational credential | $20,800 |
|
Chefs and Head Cooks |
Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served. They direct kitchen staff and handle any food-related concerns. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $43,180 |
|
Cooks |
Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods, which may include soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. |
See How to Become One | $22,850 |
|
Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers |
Food and beverage serving and related workers perform a variety of customer service, food preparation, and cleaning duties in restaurants, cafeterias, and other eating and drinking establishments. |
No formal educational credential | $19,630 |
|
Food Preparation Workers |
Food preparation workers perform many routine tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers. Food preparation workers prepare cold foods, slice meat, peel and cut vegetables, brew coffee or tea, and perform many other food service tasks. |
No formal educational credential | $21,440 |
|
Waiters and Waitresses |
Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments. |
No formal educational credential | $19,990 |
Publish Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015
