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Employment of food preparation and serving related occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations, a gain of about 1.5 million jobs. Population and income growth are expected to result in greater consumer demand for food at a variety of dining places, including restaurants and grocery stores.

Food preparation and serving related occupations is the lowest paid occupational group, with a median annual wage of $23,070 in May 2018.

  OCCUPATION JOB SUMMARY ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help 2020 MEDIAN PAY Help
Bartenders Bartenders

Bartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff.

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Chefs and head cooks Chefs and Head Cooks

Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served.

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Cooks Cooks

Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods.

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Food and beverage serving and related workers Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers

Food and beverage serving and related workers perform a variety of customer service, food preparation, and cleaning duties in eating and drinking establishments.

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Food preparation workers Food Preparation Workers

Food preparation workers perform many routine tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers.

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Waiters and waitresses Waiters and Waitresses

Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments.

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Last Modified Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019