How much does a Caterer make?
Caterers make food and beverages for events and parties. They often work for hotels, restaurants, or event companies. The pay for caterers can vary based on their experience and the kind of events they handle.
The average yearly salary for a caterer is about $38,617. This means that, on average, caterers earn around this amount each year. The salary can change based on many factors. Some caterers start with lower pay and see their salary grow as they gain more experience. Others who work in high-demand areas, like big cities, may earn more. Here are some details about how much caterers can make:
- 10% earn $24,803 or less
- 25% earn $28,912 to $33,020
- 50% earn $37,129 to $41,238
- 75% earn $45,347 to $49,456
- 90% earn $53,565 or less
- 100% earn $70,000 or less
What are the highest paying cities for a Caterer?

-
Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $62,909
In Stamford, CT, professionals find catering roles with numerous corporate and event management firms. Companies like Charter Communications offer steady work in corporate events. The city's vibrant dining scene provides plenty of opportunities for those passionate about food and service.
Find Caterer jobs in Stamford, CT
-
Miami, FL
Average Salary: $56,621
Miami, FL, is a dynamic market for catering jobs. With a mix of large-scale events and upscale dining experiences, caterers work with top companies like Carnival Corporation. The city’s lively atmosphere ensures a steady demand for catering services.
Find Caterer jobs in Miami, FL
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $52,562
In Seattle, WA, catering professionals benefit from a thriving tech industry. Events at major tech companies like Amazon create a steady flow of work. The city’s love for fresh, local cuisine makes it a great place for catering enthusiasts.
Find Caterer jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $50,574
Boston, MA, offers a wealth of catering opportunities with its many universities and historic venues. Companies such as Liberty Mutual provide excellent work. The city’s rich cultural events keep the catering industry vibrant and busy.
Find Caterer jobs in Boston, MA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $50,568
San Francisco, CA, provides catering jobs with a variety of corporate events and tech gatherings. Companies like Salesforce and Google create many opportunities. The city's diverse dining scene adds to the excitement of working in catering.
Find Caterer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $49,822
In Washington, DC, catering jobs thrive due to a high number of political and corporate events. Companies such as the World Bank and Marriott International offer consistent work. The city’s numerous social events provide a steady flow of catering opportunities.
Find Caterer jobs in Washington, DC
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $48,668
Los Angeles, CA, offers a dynamic environment for catering professionals. With Hollywood events and numerous festivals, companies like Disney and NBCUniversal provide ample opportunities. The city’s entertainment industry keeps catering services in high demand.
Find Caterer jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Madison, WI
Average Salary: $46,454
Madison, WI, offers a variety of catering roles with its many universities and festivals. Events at places like the University of Wisconsin provide steady work. The city’s strong community events create a consistent need for catering services.
Find Caterer jobs in Madison, WI
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $45,503
In San Jose, CA, catering jobs are plentiful, especially with the tech industry’s demand for events. Companies like Cisco and eBay create many opportunities. The city’s diverse cultural events add to the excitement of working in catering.
Find Caterer jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $45,340
Baltimore, MD, offers a variety of catering opportunities in its vibrant waterfront area. Events at places like Johns Hopkins University provide steady work. The city’s rich history and cultural events keep the catering industry active and busy.
Find Caterer jobs in Baltimore, MD
What are the best companies a Caterer can work for?

-
Bon Appétit
Average Salary: $81,712
Bon Appétit offers exciting opportunities for caterers across the United States. They work in schools, hospitals, and other institutions. They value creativity and quality in their catering services.
-
Eurest
Average Salary: $58,991
Eurest provides catering services to corporate clients and healthcare facilities. They focus on offering delicious and healthy meals. They have locations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
-
ISS Facility Services
Average Salary: $54,147
ISS Facility Services offers catering services for offices and public institutions. They focus on sustainable and high-quality catering. They operate globally in over 50 countries.
-
Restaurant Associates
Average Salary: $53,273
Restaurant Associates manages dining services for universities, hospitals, and corporations. They offer catering for various events and regular meals. They are active in the Northeast United States.
-
Chartwells Higher Education
Average Salary: $53,075
Chartwells Higher Education provides catering services for colleges and universities. They focus on student satisfaction and healthy food options. They operate on many campuses across the U.S.
-
Morrison Healthcare
Average Salary: $52,273
Morrison Healthcare offers catering for healthcare facilities, schools, and corporate sites. They aim to provide nutritious and tasty meals. They are present in many states across the U.S.
-
Antelope Valley Medical Center
Average Salary: $48,157
Antelope Valley Medical Center provides catering for hospital staff and patients. They focus on delivering healthy and delicious meals. They are located in Lancaster, California.
-
Ministry of Justice UK
Average Salary: $47,007
The Ministry of Justice UK offers catering services for prisons and courts. They aim to provide balanced and nutritious meals. They operate throughout the United Kingdom.
-
Oak View Group
Average Salary: $44,123
The Oak View Group manages catering for sports venues and entertainment venues. They focus on providing quick and tasty food. They have locations across the U.S.
-
SAGE Dining Services
Average Salary: $43,929
SAGE Dining Services offers catering for corporate offices and universities. They focus on creating a positive dining experience. They operate in several states across the U.S.
How to earn more as a Caterer?
Caterers can find many ways to earn more in their field. Focusing on certain key factors can lead to better pay. A caterer who works hard to improve in these areas can see their earnings rise.
First, catering experience matters. Those with more experience often command higher rates. Experience allows a caterer to manage large events smoothly. It helps in knowing how to handle unexpected problems quickly. Experienced caterers also build a good reputation. This makes more clients want to hire them.
Second, specializing in a niche can pay off. Whether it is vegan, gluten-free, or luxury catering, a special focus can attract more clients. These clients are often willing to pay more for a specific type of service. Specialization shows expertise and dedication in that area.
Third, catering to a wide range of events can open more earning opportunities. From weddings to corporate events, catering many types of functions means more work and higher pay. Flexibility in catering different events can also make a caterer more valuable.
Fourth, strong business skills can boost earnings. Managing finances well, marketing effectively, and handling customer service with care can lead to more business. Good business skills help in growing the catering service and increasing profits.
Finally, investing in quality equipment and ingredients can make a difference. High-quality food and professional equipment show commitment to excellence. This attracts more clients and can justify higher prices. Quality ingredients also lead to better customer satisfaction.



