Food service managers
SOC Code: 11-9051Also known as:
Banquet Director, Banquet Manager, Cafe Operator, Cafeteria Director, Cafeteria Manager
Median Annual Salary
$65,310
+6.4% growth (2024-2034)
42K
Openings/Year
353K
Current Jobs
What Food service managers Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
💰 Salary
$65,310
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
42K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
352,800
Projected Employment (2034)
375,300
Related Careers
Chefs and head cooks
$60,990 •
+7.1% growth
First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers
$42,010 •
+6.0% growth
Cooks, institution and cafeteria
$36,450 •
+2.0% growth
Cooks, private household
$44,530 •
+5.1% growth
Cooks, restaurant
$36,830 •
+14.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Coordination
Management of Personnel Resources
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Count money and make bank deposits.
- Establish standards for personnel performance and customer service.
- Keep records required by government agencies regarding sanitation or food subsidies.
- Schedule staff hours and assign duties.
- Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations.
- Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records.
- Perform some food preparation or service tasks, such as cooking, clearing tables, and serving food and drinks when necessary.
- Monitor budgets and payroll records, and review financial transactions to ensure that expenditures are authorized and budgeted.
- Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Coordinate assignments of cooking personnel to ensure economical use of food and timely preparation.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Food service managers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a food service managers:
Hospitality Administration/Management, General
8,041 degrees awarded •
366 colleges offer this program
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management
1,734 degrees awarded •
91 colleges offer this program
Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager
1,343 degrees awarded •
110 colleges offer this program
Restaurant/Food Services Management
730 degrees awarded •
46 colleges offer this program
Hospitality Administration/Management, Other
584 degrees awarded •
30 colleges offer this program
Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management
432 degrees awarded •
46 colleges offer this program
Foodservice Systems Administration/Management
373 degrees awarded •
34 colleges offer this program
Culinary Science/Culinology
301 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Food service managers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become food service managers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do food service managers make?
The median annual salary for food service managers is $65,310.
What education do food service managers need?
Most food service managers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Hospitality Administration/Management, General, Hotel/Motel Administration/Management, Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager.
Is becoming food service managers a good career choice?
Food service managers is projected to see +6.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 42,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for food service managers?
Top colleges for aspiring food service managers include
Cornell University, Boston University, University of Southern California, New York University, Florida International University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to food service managers?
Food service managers may also be known as: Banquet Director, Banquet Manager, Cafe Operator, Cafeteria Director, Cafeteria Manager, Cafeteria Operator, Catering Coordinator, Catering Director, Catering Manager, CDM (Certified Dietary Manager), CFPP (Certified Food Protection Professional), Chef Manager, Concessionaire, Cook Manager, Deli Manager, Dietary Manager, Dietary Supervisor, Dining Room Manager, Dining Service Director, F and B Director (Food and Beverage Director).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.