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How much does a Catering Manager make?

The average salary for a Catering Manager is $51,126 per year in the US.

A Catering Manager plays a key role in organizing and overseeing food and beverage services. This role can be found in various settings, such as hotels, restaurants, and event venues. The average yearly salary for a Catering Manager is around $51,126. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the organization. Catering Managers with a few years of experience may earn closer to the lower end of the salary range, while those with more experience can earn towards the higher end.


The salary distribution for Catering Managers shows a range of earnings. The lowest 10% of earners make around $29,000 per year. The next 10% earn between $29,000 and $33,909. As experience and skill increase, so does the salary. The highest 10% of Catering Managers earn more than $83,000 annually. This range highlights the potential for growth and advancement in the field. Catering Managers can increase their earnings by gaining more experience, specializing in certain types of events, or moving to higher-paying regions.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Catering Manager?

Catering Managers in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries, averaging around $74,654 per year. Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA, follow closely with average salaries of $71,652 and $70,478, respectively. These cities offer competitive pay and a range of opportunities for those in the catering industry.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Catering Manager jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $74,654 and Miami, FL with the lowest at $61,833.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $74,654
    In San Francisco, managing a catering team means working with top-tier restaurants and event venues. Companies like Google and Salesforce often need catering for their events. The city's diverse culture adds a unique touch to menus.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $71,652
    Seattle offers a vibrant atmosphere for catering managers. With companies like Amazon and Microsoft, there are plenty of opportunities. The city's love for fresh seafood and coffee can inspire creative menu options.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $70,478
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for catering managers. Working with Hollywood studios and major events gives a chance to create memorable dining experiences. The city's diverse population offers a wide range of culinary influences.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $68,346
    In Rochester, managing a catering team means serving a mix of corporate events and community gatherings. The presence of Mayo Clinic offers unique opportunities. The city's friendly atmosphere makes for pleasant work environments.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Rochester, MN


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $65,162
    Boston offers a historic setting for catering managers. Working with prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT provides exciting challenges. The city's rich culinary scene offers endless inspiration for menus.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $64,012
    San Jose, a tech hub, offers many opportunities for catering managers. Companies like Apple and Cisco need catering for their events. The city's diverse population brings a variety of tastes to the table.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $62,800
    In Honolulu, managing a catering team means embracing the island's vibrant culture. Working with tourism-related events offers unique experiences. The city's fresh ingredients provide a bounty for creative menus.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Honolulu, HI


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $62,580
    Sacramento offers a balanced environment for catering managers. Working with government offices and local businesses provides steady opportunities. The city's agricultural richness offers fresh, local ingredients.
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  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $61,944
    San Diego provides a sunny setting for catering managers. With its many beaches and tourist attractions, there are plenty of events to cater. The city's diverse food scene offers a wealth of culinary inspiration.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $61,833
    In Miami, managing a catering team means tapping into the city's vibrant culture. With many events and festivals, there are constant opportunities. The city's diverse population brings a mix of flavors to the menu.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Miami, FL

What are the best companies a Catering Manager can work for?

Specialty Restaurants offers the highest average salary for Catering Managers, making it a top choice for those in the field. Wolfgang Puck Catering and FLIK Hospitality Group also provide competitive pay, with salaries above the industry average. Job seekers should consider these companies for attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Catering Manager jobs, highlighting Specialty Restaurants with the highest at $79,941 and Goodwin Recruiting with the lowest at $68,246.
  1. Specialty Restaurants
    Average Salary: $79,941
    Specialty Restaurants offers exciting opportunities for Catering Managers. They manage catering events across various locations. Their events take place in high-end restaurants and private venues.


  2. Wolfgang Puck Catering
    Average Salary: $70,833
    Wolfgang Puck Catering provides top-notch catering services. They work on events in luxury hotels and private homes. Catering Managers here enjoy a creative and dynamic work environment.


  3. FLIK Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $70,454
    FLIK Hospitality Group offers diverse catering opportunities. Catering Managers work in hotels, resorts, and event spaces. They manage events for a wide range of clients.


  4. ZeroCater
    Average Salary: $69,682
    ZeroCater provides innovative catering solutions. Catering Managers here work on events in corporate offices and event venues. They focus on delivering high-quality meals.


  5. Restaurant Associates
    Average Salary: $69,542
    Restaurant Associates offers catering services in upscale restaurants. Catering Managers manage events in fine dining establishments. They ensure a seamless dining experience for guests.


  6. CulinArt
    Average Salary: $69,227
    CulinArt provides catering services for corporate events. Catering Managers work in office buildings and conference centers. They focus on delivering professional catering solutions.


  7. Fontainebleau Las Vegas
    Average Salary: $68,938
    Fontainebleau Las Vegas offers exciting catering opportunities. Catering Managers work in luxury hotels and event spaces. They manage high-profile events for a diverse clientele.


  8. Compass Group
    Average Salary: $68,655
    Compass Group provides catering services in various locations. Catering Managers work in schools, hospitals, and corporate offices. They ensure quality meals for a wide range of clients.


  9. Bon Appétit
    Average Salary: $68,462
    Bon Appétit offers catering services in educational institutions. Catering Managers work in schools and universities. They focus on providing nutritious meals for students.


  10. Goodwin Recruiting
    Average Salary: $68,246
    Goodwin Recruiting specializes in placing catering professionals. They connect Catering Managers with top companies. Catering Managers enjoy diverse opportunities in various settings.

How to earn more as a Catering Manager?

A Catering Manager can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining more experience and expertise in the field can lead to higher-paying positions. This includes mastering different types of events, learning advanced culinary techniques, and understanding the latest trends in catering. Networking with other professionals and attending industry events can also open doors to better opportunities.

Another way to earn more is by expanding one's skill set. Catering Managers who can manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and lead large teams effectively often command higher salaries. Certifications in food management or hospitality can also boost earning potential. Additionally, catering managers who can demonstrate a strong track record of successful events and satisfied clients may be able to negotiate higher pay. Finally, seeking out positions in high-demand areas or with prestigious clients can lead to better compensation.

Here are five factors that can help a Catering Manager earn more:

  1. Gain experience and expertise in the field.
  2. Expand skill set to include budget management and team leadership.
  3. Obtain certifications in food management or hospitality.
  4. Build a strong reputation for successful events and satisfied clients.
  5. Seek positions in high-demand areas or with prestigious clients.

Currently 624 Catering Manager job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Catering Manager in the US?

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