For Educators: Military Resources
Military Food Service Managers
Median Salary
90,491
Workforce Count
1,003
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Food service managers purchase, plan, store, prepare, and serve meals. They direct the personnel who prepare and serve food, and manage the facilities where food is prepared and stored. Their managerial responsibilities include budgeting for food and equipment purchases; developing food service phases of operational plans; employment and discharge of employees paid from mess funds; and, ensuring that mess property is clean and properly safeguarded.
What is the work environment like?
Food service managers usually work in food service facilities. They may manage facilities in field camps or aboard ships.
How many people have this role in the Military?
1,003
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
N/A
2 Years
N/A
6 Years
N/A
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Job training for food service managers primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:
- Food service operations
- Food safety and sanitation
- Nutritional meal planning
- Financial management
- Management of facilities, equipment, and personnel
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Hospitality Administration/Management, General
- Hospitality Administration/Management, Other
- Restaurant/Food Services Management
- 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
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Food Production
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