Position
Salary

How much does a Catering Manager make?

The average salary for a Catering Manager is $49,271 per year in the US.

Catering Managers oversee the preparation and service of meals for large groups. They work in many places, such as hotels, restaurants, and event venues. This role demands strong leadership and organizational skills. Catering Managers coordinate with chefs, servers, and suppliers to ensure everything runs smoothly.


The salary for a Catering Manager varies based on experience, location, and the type of event they cater for. On average, a Catering Manager earns about $49,271 per year. Here are some average salaries based on experience:

  • Beginners: Around $28,000 to $33,182
  • Mid-level: Around $38,364 to $48,727
  • Experienced: $53,909 to $79,818 or more
This range shows the potential for growth in this profession.

View Catering Manager jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Catering Manager?

Job seekers looking for Catering Manager roles will find promising opportunities in several cities. Colorado Springs leads with an average salary of $76,542, followed closely by Los Angeles at $74,875. These cities provide not only higher pay but also a competitive job market for experienced catering professionals. Additionally, cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and San Jose offer attractive salaries, with averages above $70,000. These locations not only promise financial rewards but also dynamic environments for career growth. Job seekers should explore these areas for excellent career prospects.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Catering Manager jobs, highlighting Colorado Springs, CO with the highest at $76,542 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $64,205.
  1. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $76,542
    In Colorado Springs, catering professionals enjoy a vibrant culinary scene. Companies like The Broadmoor offer chances to manage high-profile events. This city values creativity and teamwork in catering.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $74,875
    Los Angeles provides a lively environment for catering managers. With major studios and a bustling food culture, you'll find work with companies like Wolfgang Puck. This city offers diverse opportunities for event catering.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $73,603
    San Francisco is a top city for catering managers, with a mix of tech companies and historical venues. Working here offers unique event settings. Companies like Fog Harbor Fish House provide exciting challenges.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $73,398
    Seattle is known for its coffee culture and tech industry, creating a dynamic work environment. Catering managers here collaborate with companies like Microsoft. The city values innovation and quality in catering.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $68,793
    San Jose offers a tech-driven landscape for catering professionals. With a focus on innovation, companies like Google need skilled managers. This city's fast-paced environment is ideal for those who love variety.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $67,701
    Riverside provides a mix of corporate and community events for catering managers. Companies like The Mission Inn offer historic and modern catering experiences. The city's diverse offerings make it a great place to work.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Riverside, CA


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $67,515
    Boston's rich history and vibrant culture offer unique catering opportunities. Working here, you’ll find jobs with companies like The Charles Hotel. The city values tradition and innovation in food service.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $65,022
    Rochester is known for its medical and academic institutions, providing stable catering opportunities. Companies like Mayo Clinic offer specialized event needs. The city values quality and service in catering.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Rochester, MN


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $64,502
    San Diego offers a beautiful coastal environment for catering professionals. With events at places like the Balboa Park, you’ll find a mix of corporate and community catering. The city values creativity and hospitality.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $64,205
    Portland is famous for its food scene and eco-friendly initiatives. Catering managers here work with companies like Stumptown Coffee Roasters. The city values sustainability and local cuisine in its catering services.
    Find Catering Manager jobs in Portland, OR

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

Specialty Restaurants leads the pack with an average salary of $73,659 for catering managers. The Wolfgang Puck Catering company follows closely behind, offering a strong average salary of $71,534. Bon Appétit also stands out, providing a competitive average salary of $69,842 for this role. HEI Hotels & Resorts and Schulte Hospitality Group offer attractive salaries, with averages of $69,712 and $69,140 respectively. NexDine and FLIK Hospitality Group round out the top six, with average salaries of $67,444 and $67,400. Sage Hospitality, Aimbridge Hospitality, and Restaurant Associates offer average salaries ranging from $66,677 to $65,725, making them good options as well.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Catering Manager jobs, highlighting Specialty Restaurants with the highest at $73,659 and Restaurant Associates with the lowest at $65,725.
  1. Specialty Restaurants
    Average Salary: $73,659
    Specialty Restaurants offers exciting Catering Manager jobs. They work in luxury restaurants, providing exceptional dining experiences. Locations include New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. They focus on creating memorable events.


  2. Wolfgang Puck Catering
    Average Salary: $71,534
    Wolfgang Puck Catering is known for its high standards in food and service. Catering Managers here manage events for celebrities and major events. Locations span Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York City.


  3. Bon Appétit
    Average Salary: $69,842
    Bon Appétit provides Catering Manager positions in various settings. They serve schools, hospitals, and corporate events. Locations include California, New York, and Texas. Bon Appétit values creativity in their catering services.


  4. HEI Hotels & Resorts
    Average Salary: $69,712
    HEI Hotels & Resorts offers Catering Manager jobs with beautiful venues. They manage events in locations like Miami, Orlando, and San Diego. Catering Managers here create memorable experiences for guests.


  5. Schulte Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $69,140
    Schulte Hospitality Group provides Catering Manager positions in prestigious locations. They manage events in luxury hotels across the country. Locations include Chicago, Las Vegas, and Palm Beach.


  6. NexDine
    Average Salary: $67,444
    NexDine offers Catering Manager jobs with a focus on innovation. They manage events in cities like San Francisco, Austin, and Boston. Catering Managers here enjoy working with a dynamic team.


  7. FLIK Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $67,400
    FLIK Hospitality Group offers Catering Manager positions in exciting locations. They manage events in popular cities such as Seattle, Denver, and Atlanta. FLIK values teamwork and creativity.


  8. Sage Hospitality
    Average Salary: $66,677
    Sage Hospitality provides Catering Manager jobs with a focus on quality. They manage events in top locations like Nashville, Portland, and Austin. Catering Managers here enjoy a friendly work environment.


  9. Aimbridge Hospitality
    Average Salary: $65,895
    Aimbridge Hospitality offers Catering Manager positions in major cities. They manage events in locations like New York, San Francisco, and Dallas. Aimbridge values professionalism and attention to detail.


  10. Restaurant Associates
    Average Salary: $65,725
    Restaurant Associates offers Catering Manager jobs with a focus on service. They manage events in popular cities like Chicago, Boston, and San Diego. Catering Managers here enjoy a supportive team environment.

How to earn more as a Catering Manager?

Becoming a successful Catering Manager means not only managing events but also ensuring profitability and growth. To earn more in this role, it is important to focus on several key factors. First, gaining experience is crucial. The more events managed successfully, the better the reputation and the higher the potential income. Learning from past events helps avoid mistakes and improves efficiency.

Building a strong network is another vital factor. Networking with other industry professionals, vendors, and clients can open up opportunities for larger and more lucrative events. A good network can lead to referrals and repeat business. Investing in professional development can also make a significant difference. Attending workshops, seminars, and obtaining certifications in event management or culinary arts can enhance skills and marketability. An advanced skill set can justify a higher salary.

Consider these factors to increase earnings:

  1. Gain experience by managing events and learning from them.
  2. Build a strong network with industry professionals, vendors, and clients.
  3. Invest in professional development through workshops, seminars, and certifications.
  4. Optimize pricing strategies based on market research and cost analysis.
  5. Focus on marketing and client acquisition to expand the client base.

Currently 710 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
Overview
Catering Manager
710 Job Openings