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These workers make and provide food and drink to customers.

Overall employment in food preparation and serving occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 1.3 million new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 2.4 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.

The median annual wage for this group was $28,400 in May 2021, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.

BLS employment projections, wage, and other data for related occupations not shown in the following table are available on the Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail page. Information highlighting physical demands, cognitive and mental requirements, and other qualifications for workers in this group are available in a BLS Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) profile.

  OCCUPATION JOB SUMMARY ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help 2021 MEDIAN PAY Help
Bartenders Bartenders

Bartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff.

 No formal educational credential $26,350
Chefs and head cooks Chefs and Head Cooks

Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served.

 High school diploma or equivalent $50,160
Cooks Cooks

Cooks season and prepare foods, including soups, salads, entrees, and desserts.

 See How to Become One $29,120
Food and beverage serving and related workers Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers

Food and beverage serving and related workers take and prepare orders, clear tables, and do other tasks associated with providing food and drink to customers.

 No formal educational credential $25,980
Food preparation workers Food Preparation Workers

Food preparation workers perform a variety of tasks other than cooking, such as slicing meat and brewing coffee.

 No formal educational credential $28,780
Waiters and waitresses Waiters and Waitresses

Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments.

 No formal educational credential $26,000

Last Modified Date: Thursday, September 8, 2022