How much does a Catering Manager make?
A Catering Manager plays a key role in organizing events and ensuring that food and drink services meet high standards. The average yearly salary for this role is about $49,777. This means that, on average, a Catering Manager can expect to earn this amount each year. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the events they manage.
Here are some common salary ranges for Catering Managers:
- At least $29,000 for those starting out in the field
- Most earn between $49,364 and $64,636 annually
- Experienced managers can earn up to $85,000 a year
What are the highest paying cities for a Catering Manager?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $74,593
Working in Los Angeles means being part of a dynamic food scene. You can work with some of the best restaurants and event venues. Companies like Wolfgang Puck Catering offer exciting opportunities.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $74,002
Colorado Springs provides a fresh and inviting environment for catering professionals. With a growing tourism industry, you can cater to many events. Local businesses offer a chance to showcase your skills.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $73,346
In San Francisco, the tech boom brings many corporate events. You will cater for high-profile gatherings. Companies like Zuni Café seek experienced managers.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $72,752
Seattle offers a vibrant food culture. You can work with innovative chefs and cater to a variety of events. Companies like Canlis are known for their high standards.
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Rochester, MN
Average Salary: $68,896
Rochester provides a balanced lifestyle with plenty of events. You can cater to both corporate and community events. Local healthcare events offer a steady stream of work.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $67,538
San Jose’s tech industry creates many opportunities. You can cater to tech conferences and corporate events. Companies like Cisco offer exciting projects.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $66,748
Boston offers a rich history and diverse events. You can work with historic hotels and prominent universities. Local eateries look for managers with great experience.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $64,143
Sacramento provides a stable environment with plenty of events. You can cater for government and corporate functions. Local businesses offer steady work.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $64,012
San Diego offers a sunny climate and a bustling food scene. You can work with beachside events and local restaurants. Companies like Resort Chefs seek skilled managers.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $63,070
Washington, DC offers a high-energy environment. You can cater for political and corporate events. Companies like Catering by Pierre seek experienced professionals.
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What are the best companies a Catering Manager can work for?

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Specialty Restaurants
Average Salary: $73,979
Specialty Restaurants offers catering management roles with a focus on high-end events. They operate across the United States and provide comprehensive catering services for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
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Goodwin Recruiting
Average Salary: $73,214
Goodwin Recruiting connects top talent with leading companies in the hospitality industry. They offer catering management positions with competitive salaries and are known for their strong relationships with clients nationwide.
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Wolfgang Puck Catering
Average Salary: $71,167
Wolfgang Puck Catering provides luxury catering services for a variety of events. Their catering managers work in high-profile settings, ensuring top-notch service and quality. Locations include California and other major cities.
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Bon Appétit
Average Salary: $69,526
Bon Appétit offers diverse catering management opportunities. They serve a wide range of clients, from schools to corporate entities. Catering managers work in many locations across the United States.
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HEI Hotels & Resorts
Average Salary: $69,335
HEI Hotels & Resorts provides a dynamic environment for catering managers. They focus on luxury hospitality, offering catering services for events in prestigious locations. Their operations span across various states.
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Schulte Hospitality Group
Average Salary: $68,742
Schulte Hospitality Group offers catering management roles with opportunities for growth. They focus on providing quality catering services for events in their hotels and resorts, located in key destinations nationwide.
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FLIK Hospitality Group
Average Salary: $67,797
FLIK Hospitality Group provides catering management positions with a focus on event excellence. They operate in major cities, offering catering services for weddings, corporate events, and more.
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Fooda
Average Salary: $67,725
Fooda offers catering management roles with a focus on innovation. They work with a variety of clients and provide catering services in multiple locations, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction.
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Sage Hospitality
Average Salary: $65,750
Sage Hospitality provides catering management opportunities with a strong emphasis on service excellence. They cater to a wide range of events in prominent locations, ensuring a high standard of service.
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Restaurant Associates
Average Salary: $65,508
Restaurant Associates offers catering management positions with a focus on hospitality. They cater to various events and operate in multiple locations, providing exceptional catering services.
How to earn more as a Catering Manager?
A Catering Manager can increase their earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Building strong relationships with clients and vendors can lead to more job opportunities and higher-paying contracts. A Catering Manager who can consistently deliver high-quality services will earn a good reputation, making them more valuable. Innovation in menu offerings and service can also set a Catering Manager apart, attracting higher-paying clients.
Another way to earn more as a Catering Manager is to seek out opportunities for career growth. Taking on more responsibilities, such as managing larger events or multiple events simultaneously, can lead to higher pay. Attending professional development courses or obtaining additional certifications can also open doors to higher-paying positions. Networking within the industry and keeping up with trends can create opportunities for advancement and higher salaries. A dedicated Catering Manager can significantly boost their earnings by focusing on these factors.
Here are five key factors to consider:
- Client Relationships: Strong connections with clients lead to repeat business and referrals.
- Service Quality: Consistent high-quality service enhances reputation and attracts better-paying clients.
- Innovation: Unique menu offerings and services can draw higher-paying clients.
- Career Growth: Taking on more responsibilities and seeking advancement can lead to higher pay.
- Professional Development: Additional training and certifications can qualify a manager for higher-paying jobs.



