Interesting Careers in the Food Industry

People choose careers in food for the following reasons:

• Room for advancement: The food industry has a lot of room for growth. If you put in the time and effort, you can work your way up to a variety of management positions.
• Allows for creativity: Along with having a love for food, highly trained chefs, bakers, and bartenders can let their imaginations run wild by creating new recipes.
• Hands-on work: If staring at a computer screen all day isn’t your cup of tea, a career in food might be the right fit for you. Many of these roles require you to work with your hands. You are rarely idle and are constantly moving.

If you’d like to work in the food industry, here are 15 jobs to consider:

Bartender

Average Base Pay: $20,342 per year

A bartender is responsible for making and serving alcoholic drinks from behind a bar. They may also be responsible for taking orders and cleaning up after customers. Lead bartenders are in charge of choosing which recipes their establishment serves, along with creating a variety of mixed drink recipes.

Barista

Average Base Pay: $20,407 per year

A barista attends the counter of a coffee shop. They are responsible for taking orders and making a variety of coffee, espresso, and tea drinks. If the shop serves food, it is also likely that they will prepare any food orders. Baristas clean up after guests, stock inventory, and wash dishes.

Host/hostess

Average Base Pay: $21,582 per year

A host or hostess is tasked with greeting restaurant patrons. They are responsible for finding guests a table and leading them to their seats. A host or hostess also answers incoming phone calls and takes reservations. It’s their job to ensure guests get a good first impression of the restaurant.

Sommelier

Average Base Pay: $21,689 per year

A sommelier, also known as a wine steward, is an expert in all things wine. They work in fine restaurants or wineries and can recommend the best wine and food pairings. They are much more informed about wine than the average waiter and help create a luxurious experience for guests.

Line cook

Average Base Pay: $22,921 per year

A line cook is in charge of a specific area of the kitchen. For example, one line cook may be responsible for meat while another may be responsible for desserts. A line cook prepares ingredients, cooks food items, and plates them. Those working in large kitchens will direct their team of assistant chefs.

Restaurant server

Average Base Pay: $30,500 per year

A restaurant server is responsible for the care of guests during their time at a restaurant. They will take guest’s orders, bring them their food and drinks, and provide any other customer service guests request. When it’s time to pay for the bill, the server will total the expenses and collect payment.

Bakery manager

Average Base Pay: $31,234 per year

A bakery manager is in charge of the operations and staffing of a bakery department. They oversee pastry production, inventory, and the purchasing of supplies. It’s their job to ensure that customers receive quality goods and services.

Butcher

Average Base Pay: $35,040 per year

A butcher prepares meat to sell at a butcher shop or meat department. They are responsible for preparing the meat, separating each cut by type, and selling the product to customers.

Food journalist

Average Base Pay: $44,477 per year

A food journalist reports on the latest happenings in the world of food. They may specialize in reviewing restaurants or any other establishments that serve food. A food journalist may also cover product releases, industry news, or other stories related to food.

Pastry chef

Average Base Pay: $44,594 per year

A pastry chef is a highly skilled professional who can create a variety of desserts and baked goods. They are usually responsible for baking and then decorating cakes, cupcakes, cookies, croissants, and any other dessert they specialize in.

Restaurant designer

Average Base Pay: $50,224 per year

A restaurant designer is responsible for designing the interior and exterior of a dining space. They use their design background to create an enjoyable dining experience that matches the feel of the menu and restaurant operations. They draft up the design plan and work with contractors to ensure the design is completed correctly.

Head chef

Average Base Pay: $52,680 per year

A head chef, also called the chef de cuisine, oversees the entire kitchen of a restaurant. They are in charge of managing all the chefs, creating menus, ordering supplies, and hiring staff. It’s their duty to make sure all the food is plated properly and that guests have a pleasant dining experience.

Food service director

Average Base Pay: $53,018 per year

A food service director oversees the operations of a food service department, often working in school cafeterias or nursing homes. They are highly knowledgeable about safety regulations and health and sanitation codes. It’s their job to manage staff and ensure they are following protocol.

Restaurant manager

Average Base Pay: $55,320 per year

A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant. They create schedules, hire and train staff, give directions, and make sure the restaurant is running smoothly. They oversee food quality, inventory, and customer service.

Food scientist

Average Base Pay: $61,485 per year

A food scientist uses their in-depth knowledge of science to study the basic elements of food. They analyze the nutritional content of food, explore new food sources, and do research on different food processes. They work to develop new food technology and find ways to make processed foods safe.