Food Preparation and Serving Occupations

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 2020 MEDIAN PAY
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