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How much does a Caterer make?

The average salary for a Caterer is $39,085 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Caterer?

If you are in the catering industry, certain cities offer higher salaries. Stamford, CT, leads the way with the highest average salary for caterers at $58,521. Following closely, Honolulu, HI, and Miami, FL, also provide strong earning potential with average salaries around $56,500 and $56,000. Exploring other lucrative cities, Seattle, WA, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA, show competitive wages. Seattle offers an average salary of about $52,500, while Washington, DC, and Los Angeles have figures close to $50,000 and $50,600, respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Caterer jobs, highlighting Stamford, CT with the highest at $58,521 and Baltimore, MD with the lowest at $46,538.
  1. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in Stamford, CT


  2. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in Honolulu, HI


  3. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in Miami, FL


  4. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in Washington, DC


  6. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in Boston, MA


  8. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in Madison, WI


  10. 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.
    Find Caterer jobs in Baltimore, MD

What are the best companies a Caterer can work for?

Bon Appétit offers the highest average salary for caterers at $90,025. Eurest follows closely behind with an average salary of $59,026. ISS Facility Services also provides a competitive average salary of $55,601. These companies stand out for their attractive compensation packages. Job seekers in the catering industry might find significant earning potential at these organizations. Exploring opportunities with these employers can lead to rewarding career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Caterer jobs, highlighting Bon Appétit with the highest at $90,025 and Hungry Marketplace with the lowest at $43,512.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. Use high-quality ingredients and presentation.
  2. Build a strong network and reputation.
  3. Diversify service offerings.
  4. Expand marketing efforts with social media.
  5. Offer loyalty programs and referral discounts.

Currently 555 Caterer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Caterer in the US?

Learn what a Caterer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Caterer today.
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Caterer
555 Job Openings