How a Catering Career Can Make You Big Money

Can You Make Money In a Catering Career?

Most people don’t go to culinary school because they’re after an easy fortune or instant fame. Professional cooking, with its long hours and often back-breaking work, is very much a labor of love, and people enter the field because they are passionate about food. Money usually comes second.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. Although you aren’t likely to strike it rich right away, a career in catering can be a great way to enjoy your love of cooking while also making a decent wage and enjoying great benefits.

Why Choose Catering?

Choosing a career in catering after culinary school can offer various opportunities and advantages. Here are some reasons why someone might make this choice:

1. Creativity: Catering allows chefs to showcase creativity by designing menus and dishes tailored to specific events and clients. This flexibility can be highly rewarding for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors and presentations.
2. Variety: Catering involves catering to different events, such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties. This variety keeps the job interesting and allows chefs to gain experience in different settings.
3. Flexibility: Catering often offers more flexible work hours than traditional restaurant jobs. This flexibility can be appealing for those who value work-life balance or have other commitments outside of work.
4. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Some chefs choose catering as a career path because it offers opportunities for entrepreneurship. Starting a catering business allows chefs to be their own boss and build their brand.
5. Interaction with Clients: Catering involves working closely with clients to understand their preferences and create customized menus. This direct interaction can be fulfilling for chefs who enjoy building customer relationships.
6. Event Planning Skills: In addition to cooking, catering often involves coordinating logistics, managing staff, and overseeing the execution of events. This provides chefs with valuable experience in event planning and management.
7. Potential for Growth: As caterers gain experience and reputation, they may have the opportunity to take on larger events, expand their business, or specialize in specific types of cuisine or events.

Ultimately, choosing to pursue a career in catering after culinary school depends on individual preferences, career goals, and interests.

Why Not Choose Catering?

While catering can be a fulfilling career choice for many, it might not fit everyone. Here are some reasons why someone might choose not to pursue a career in catering:

1. High Stress Levels: Catering often involves tight deadlines, high-pressure situations, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. For some individuals, the stress of catering events may be overwhelming.
2. Inconsistent Work Schedule: Catering schedules can be unpredictable, with work often concentrated on weekends, evenings, and holidays when events are most common. This irregular schedule may not suit everyone's lifestyle or preferences.
3. Physical Demands: Catering can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet, heavy lifting, and working in hot kitchen environments. This physical strain may not be sustainable for everyone, especially those with health concerns or physical limitations.
4. Seasonal Nature: Catering businesses may experience fluctuations in demand throughout the year, with busy seasons during holidays and wedding seasons and slower periods during other times. This seasonal nature can lead to income variability and uncertainty.
5. Limited Creativity: While catering offers opportunities for creativity in menu planning and presentation, some chefs may find that their creative freedom is restricted by client preferences, budget constraints, or the need to mass-produce dishes for large events.
6. Business Challenges: Starting and running a catering business involves various business aspects, such as marketing, sales, finance, and operations management. Not everyone may have the skills, resources, or interest in managing these aspects of a catering operation.
7. Competition: The catering industry can be highly competitive, with many established businesses vying for clients and market share. Breaking into the industry and building a successful catering business can be challenging, requiring perseverance and innovation.

Catering Salaries

The salary range for caterers can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, type of catering business (e.g., self-employed vs. working for a catering company), and the size and scope of events catered. As of January 2022, here's a general overview of what caterers might earn:

1. Entry-Level Positions: Those starting out in the catering industry, such as assistant chefs or kitchen staff, may earn salaries ranging from minimum wage to around $15 per hour, depending on the region and specific job duties.
2. Experienced Caterers: Experienced caterers who have been in the industry for several years and have developed specialized skills or expertise may earn salaries ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the abovementioned factors.
3. Catering Business Owners/Entrepreneurs: Catering business owners or entrepreneurs have the potential to earn significantly higher incomes, but their earnings can vary widely based on the success and profitability of their business. Successful catering business owners may earn anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000 per year or more.
4. Executive Chefs/Head Chefs: In larger catering companies or high-end catering operations, executive chefs or head chefs may command higher salaries, often ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 or more annually, depending on their experience, skills, and the size of the catering operation.

It's important to note that these figures are general estimates and can vary based on numerous factors. Additionally, caterers may supplement their salaries with tips, especially for events where gratuity is customary.

As with any career, salaries in the catering industry can fluctuate over time due to economic conditions, changes in demand, and other factors. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on catering salaries, you should consult job postings, industry reports, or salary surveys specific to your location and circumstances.

Is A Culinary Career Right For Me?