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Food Preparation and Serving Occupations

Employment in food preparation and serving related occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations, and gain about 1 million jobs. Population and income growth are expected to result in greater consumer demand for food at a variety of dining places, including restaurants and grocery stores.

Food preparation and serving related occupations is the lowest paid occupational group, with a median annual wage of $25,500 in May 2020.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2020 MEDIAN PAY
Bartenders	Bartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff.	No formal educational credential	$24,960
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	$53,380
Cooks	Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods.	See How to Become One	$27,250
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 eating and drinking establishments.	No formal educational credential	$24,190
Food Preparation Workers	Food preparation workers perform many routine tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers.	No formal educational credential	$26,070
Waiters and Waitresses	Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments.	No formal educational credential	$23,740