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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Food Service Specialists

Median Salary
63,322
Workforce Count
4,599

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Food service specialists function in every aspect of food preparation, including administration, procurement, storage, and distribution. They plan menus, purchase supplies, cook food, operate food service equipment, and provide customer service.

What is the work environment like?

Food service specialists normally work in clean, sanitary kitchens and dining facilities. They may sometimes work in refrigerated meat lockers. Sometimes they work outdoors in tents while preparing and serving food under field conditions.

How many people have this role in the Military?

4,599

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.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$92,773

2 Years

$68,763

6 Years

$92,773

10+ Years
Median Salary
63,322

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for food service specialists consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in food preparation. Training content may include:

  • Standard and dietetic menu planning
  • Food preparation and cooking
  • Basic nutrition
  • Storage of meats, poultry, and other perishable items
  • Dining service operations
  • Food and supply ordering

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    44%

  • Less than high school

    18%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    17%

  • Some college

    11%

  • Associate's degree

    4%

  • Post-doctoral training

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Culinary Arts/Chef Training
  • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General

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 College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

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

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

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

Conventional

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

Enterprising

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

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