How much does a Caterer make?
Cateting is a popular career choice with a range of salaries. On average, a Caterer earns about $39,000 a year. This number can change based on experience, location, and the type of events served. The bottom 10% of Caterers earn around $24,000 or less. The top 10% earn around $70,000 or more. A Caterer's earnings can also grow with more experience and specialty in certain types of events.
Caterers often work for restaurants, event venues, and catering companies. Different places offer different pay scales. Caterers can expect to earn more in areas with a high cost of living. Large events, like weddings and corporate parties, can bring in higher pay. Some Caterers choose to freelance, setting their own rates. Others work full-time for one employer, getting benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
What are the highest paying cities for a Caterer?

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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $58,521
In Stamford, a catering role often involves serving corporate clients. Companies like Panera Bread and EatWell cater to local businesses. The role demands strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $56,586
Honolulu offers a vibrant catering scene with many resorts and hotels. Working here means catering to tourists and locals alike. Prominent companies include Hilton Hawaiian Village and Outrigger Hotels.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $56,254
Miami’s catering jobs thrive in the lively hospitality industry. Events in this city range from beach weddings to corporate functions. Companies like Hard Rock Cafe and Nobu Miami often seek catering professionals.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $52,566
Seattle’s catering industry benefits from its tech companies and vibrant culture. Catering for events at Microsoft or Amazon is common. The city’s green spaces also offer many outdoor events.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $52,113
In Washington, DC, catering often involves working for government events or large conferences. Companies like Marriott and Hilton cater to many high-profile clients in the city.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $50,598
Los Angeles offers diverse catering opportunities, from Hollywood events to beachside functions. Working with companies like Disney or Warner Bros. can be very rewarding.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $49,730
Boston’s catering scene is rich with historical events and academic gatherings. Companies like Harvard University and Boston Marriott Copley Place often need catering services.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $48,975
San Francisco’s catering jobs often involve working with tech companies and cultural events. The city’s unique dining scene means catering professionals must be creative and adaptable.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $48,528
In Madison, catering often includes university events and local festivals. Companies like Overture Center and American Center for the Arts provide excellent opportunities.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $46,538
Baltimore offers a mix of maritime and cultural events for caterers. Working with companies like The Inner Harbor or Oriole Park at Camden Yards can be exciting.
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What are the best companies a Caterer can work for?

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Bon Appétit
Average Salary: $90,025
Bon Appétit offers a range of catering jobs across various locations, including universities and corporate offices. They focus on creating a diverse menu and providing excellent service.
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Eurest
Average Salary: $59,026
Eurest is known for its corporate and healthcare catering services. They operate in several locations, including offices and hospitals, providing a variety of meal options.
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ISS Facility Services
Average Salary: $55,601
ISS Facility Services provides catering services for multiple industries, including education and healthcare. They focus on delivering quality food and excellent customer service.
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Chartwells Higher Education
Average Salary: $51,800
Chartwells Higher Education specializes in catering for universities and colleges. They offer diverse menus and work to meet the needs of students and staff in various locations.
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City Barbeque
Average Salary: $50,000
City Barbeque is a popular barbecue restaurant chain with multiple locations. They offer exciting catering jobs and focus on delivering delicious, slow-cooked barbecue.
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Antelope Valley Medical Center
Average Salary: $48,214
Antelope Valley Medical Center provides catering services for healthcare facilities. They focus on delivering nutritious meals to patients and staff in their location.
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Ministry of Justice UK
Average Salary: $47,182
The Ministry of Justice UK offers catering jobs in various locations, including prisons and government buildings. They focus on providing balanced meals to support their staff.
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ZeroCater
Average Salary: $46,857
ZeroCater provides catering services for educational institutions and corporate offices. They focus on delivering diverse and healthy meal options in multiple locations.
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SAGE Dining Services
Average Salary: $43,882
SAGE Dining Services offers catering jobs in educational and healthcare settings. They focus on delivering nutritious meals and excellent service to students, patients, and staff.
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Hungry Marketplace
Average Salary: $43,512
Hungry Marketplace specializes in food truck catering services. They focus on delivering fresh, delicious meals to events and workplaces in various locations.
How to earn more as a Caterer?
Caterers can boost their income by focusing on several key areas. Prioritizing quality in ingredients and presentation elevates the dining experience, making customers more willing to pay higher prices. Networking with event organizers and building a strong reputation can lead to more high-paying jobs. Diversifying service offerings, such as adding custom menu options or specialty dishes, caters to more client needs and can increase revenue.
Another way to earn more involves expanding marketing efforts. Utilizing social media to showcase stunning dishes and customer testimonials can attract more clients. Offering loyalty programs or referral discounts encourages repeat business and word-of-mouth promotion. Each of these strategies contributes to a caterer's ability to charge more and secure more high-profile events.
Here are five factors that can help a caterer earn more:
- Use high-quality ingredients and presentation.
- Build a strong network and reputation.
- Diversify service offerings.
- Expand marketing efforts with social media.
- Offer loyalty programs and referral discounts.



