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Salary

How much does a Food Service Director make?

The average salary for a Food Service Director is $51,701 per year in the US.

A Food Service Director plays a key role in managing the food services in various settings. This role often includes overseeing kitchen operations, managing staff, and ensuring food quality and safety. The average yearly salary for a Food Service Director is around $51,701. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of organization.

The salary range for Food Service Directors can be quite broad. Some directors earn as little as $28,000 per year, while others can make over $92,000. Most directors fall somewhere in the middle, with salaries ranging from $33,864 to $86,636. Higher salaries often come with more responsibility and experience. Directors in larger cities or high-end restaurants may also earn more. It's important to consider these factors when looking at salary data.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Food Service Director?

Job seekers in the food service industry can find top-tier salaries in several cities. San Francisco, California, leads the way with an average salary of $88,481. Other cities like San Jose and Sacramento also offer high salaries, making them attractive options for those in the field. These cities provide excellent opportunities for food service directors to secure competitive compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Food Service Director jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $88,481 and Springfield, IL with the lowest at $66,607.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $88,481
    San Francisco offers a vibrant food scene. Working as a Food Service Director here means you'll manage top-tier restaurants and cater to a diverse clientele. Companies like Bon Appétit and Compass Group provide excellent opportunities.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $83,988
    San Jose is a tech hub with a growing food industry. As a Food Service Director, you'll oversee dining services in corporate settings. Companies like Aramark and Sodexo are prominent here.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $80,854
    Sacramento provides a mix of government and private dining services. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage both state facilities and private companies. Key employers include Aramark and Bon Appétit.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in Sacramento, CA


  4. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $76,188
    Boulder is known for its healthy lifestyle. As a Food Service Director, you'll focus on organic and sustainable dining options. Companies like Bon Appétit and Sodexo are leaders in this field.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in Boulder, CO


  5. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $75,938
    New Haven offers a rich culinary culture. Working as a Food Service Director here means you'll manage university dining and local restaurants. Yale University Dining Services is a notable employer.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in New Haven, CT


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $74,619
    Los Angeles is a culinary hotspot. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage diverse dining options from casual cafes to high-end restaurants. Companies like Sodexo and Aramark are prominent here.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $70,845
    San Diego offers a vibrant food scene with a focus on fresh seafood. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage dining services in both corporate and hospitality settings. Key employers include Bon Appétit and Compass Group.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $70,638
    Bakersfield has a growing food industry. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage dining services in both corporate and healthcare settings. Companies like Aramark and Sodexo are active here.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $68,515
    Boston offers a rich culinary history. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage dining services in both academic and corporate settings. Harvard University Dining Services and Sodexo are notable employers.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Springfield, IL
    Average Salary: $66,607
    Springfield provides a mix of government and private dining services. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage both state facilities and private companies. Key employers include Aramark and Bon Appétit.
    Find Food Service Director jobs in Springfield, IL

What are the best companies a Food Service Director can work for?

FLIK Hospitality Group offers one of the highest salaries for Food Service Director jobs, averaging $91,615 annually. CulinArt follows closely, with an average salary of $87,318. Kaiser Permanente also provides a competitive salary of $87,103 per year. These companies value their food service directors and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Food Service Director jobs, highlighting FLIK Hospitality Group with the highest at $91,615 and Unidine with the lowest at $79,803.
  1. FLIK Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $91,615
    FLIK Hospitality Group offers exciting Food Service Director positions. They operate in many locations, including hotels and resorts. Their focus on quality service makes them a top choice for many professionals.


  2. CulinArt
    Average Salary: $87,318
    CulinArt provides rewarding Food Service Director jobs. They work in various locations, such as hospitals and schools. Their commitment to culinary excellence creates a dynamic work environment.


  3. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $87,103
    Kaiser Permanente offers competitive Food Service Director salaries. They operate in many states across the U.S. Their focus on health and wellness makes them a great place to work.


  4. Meriwether Godsey
    Average Salary: $86,867
    Meriwether Godsey provides attractive Food Service Director positions. They work in locations like universities and corporate offices. Their dedication to quality service makes them a top employer.


  5. United States Department of Justice
    Average Salary: $86,544
    The United States Department of Justice offers stable Food Service Director jobs. They operate in many locations, including federal buildings. Their focus on public service makes them a respected employer.


  6. Brightview Senior Living
    Average Salary: $84,664
    Brightview Senior Living provides rewarding Food Service Director positions. They operate in many locations, including senior living communities. Their focus on care makes them a great place to work.


  7. ISS Facility Services
    Average Salary: $84,435
    ISS Facility Services offers competitive Food Service Director salaries. They work in locations like office buildings and schools. Their focus on service excellence makes them a top employer.


  8. Compass Group
    Average Salary: $80,643
    Compass Group provides attractive Food Service Director positions. They operate in many locations, including hospitals and schools. Their focus on quality service makes them a great place to work.


  9. Eurest
    Average Salary: $80,533
    Eurest offers rewarding Food Service Director jobs. They work in locations like universities and corporate offices. Their focus on culinary excellence makes them a top employer.


  10. Unidine
    Average Salary: $79,803
    Unidine provides competitive Food Service Director salaries. They operate in many locations, including hospitals and schools. Their focus on quality service makes them a great place to work.

How to earn more as a Food Service Director?

To earn more as a Food Service Director, focus on enhancing skills and gaining experience. This role requires a blend of culinary expertise, management skills, and a keen understanding of the food industry. By improving these areas, a Food Service Director can increase their value to employers and open up opportunities for higher pay.

Consider these key factors to boost earnings:

  1. Advanced Certifications: Obtain certifications from recognized culinary institutions. These credentials can demonstrate a higher level of expertise and dedication to the profession.
  2. Leadership Experience: Gain experience managing large teams and overseeing multiple locations. This shows the ability to handle complex operations and can lead to higher-paying positions.
  3. Cost Management Skills: Develop skills in budgeting and cost control. Efficiently managing food costs and reducing waste can lead to significant savings and higher profitability for the business.
  4. Menu Development: Create innovative and popular menus that attract customers. A successful menu can increase revenue and improve the reputation of the establishment.
  5. Networking: Build a strong professional network. Connections can lead to job opportunities, partnerships, and insights into industry trends that can enhance career prospects.

Currently 2,392 Food Service Director job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Food Service Director in the US?

Learn what a Food Service Director does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Food Service Director today.
Position
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Food Service Director
2,392 Job Openings