Caterer

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Work Tasks

• Make and serve food for luncheons, wedding receptions, showers, and other large parties
• Help people decide how many guests to invite and make a menu based on how much money they can spend
• Hire workers who make and serve the food
• Plan how tables will be arranged
• Work in kitchens, dining rooms, and offices for hotels, stores, schools, hospitals, and country clubs
• Work with different foods and drinks, government forms, money reports, and work schedules

Salary, Size & Growth

• $49,500 average per year ($23.75 per hour)
• A large occupation (773,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.7% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: Culinary training
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree or higher in business administration or food and nutrition
• Certification/Licensing: States require certificates for clean kitchens and safe equipment. Kitchens are inspected regularly.