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For Educators: Military Resources
Occupation FinderHospitality and Tourism

Food Service Managers

Median Salary
65,310
Job Outlook
+6%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

74%

Self-employed

21%

Private not for profit

2%

State and local government

2%

Federal Government

0%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

Explore this Role in the MilitaryLearn More About Military Service

What is the job outlook?

Employment of food service managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 42,000 openings for food service managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$38,650

10%

$65,310

Median

$92,290

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    29%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    21%

  • Associate's degree

    18%

  • Less than high school

    16%

  • Bachelor's degree

    9%

  • Some college

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Hospitality Administration/Management, General
  • Restaurant/Food Services Management
  • Hospitality Administration/Management, Other
  • Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager
  • Foodservice Systems Administration/Management
  • Hotel/Motel Administration/Management
  • Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management
  • Culinary Science/Culinology
  • Wine Steward/Sommelier
  • Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management

Skills and Interests

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

  • Leadership

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Administration and Management
  • Production and Processing
  • Food Production

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.

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