Guide to What It’s Like Working for a Caterer

Working for a caterer is a great way to earn a living while building your skills as a teammate and a leader. Surrounded by the laughter of guests, the aroma of delicious foods, and the subtle nods of encouragement from colleagues, working an event is challenging and exhilarating in equal measure. In this brief guide to the industry, you’ll learn what a catering job entails and whether it’s right for you.

What to Expect at a Catering Job

A catering company provides food for events like conferences, parties, and weddings. Catering gig workers are responsible for one or several steps in the process of preparing and presenting the food. Some work the ovens and grills, cooking the food to be served immediately at the event. Others work as servers, making sure the guests receive all the food and drink they need. Everybody, whatever their role, has to stay focused on the task at hand, collaborating with their peers to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. When you accept a catering job, you can expect to work in an environment that’s fast-paced, intense, and highly social.

Physical Requirements of a Catering Gig

Catering gigs are often physically demanding. Workers are responsible for setting up equipment, carrying heavy trays, and standing up for the duration of long events. The hours can be irregular, and some parties will go late into the night. While you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to cope, you should certainly expect your body to undergo physical strain. For some caterers, the physical toll is a major drawback. Others enjoy the opportunity to work on their feet.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Catering Gig?

The catering business is a good place for people who are hardworking, extroverted, and creative. Working long hours requires a certain amount of grit, and you’ll have an easier time getting through events if you’re strong-willed enough to tough it out. You’ll also be constantly surrounded by people, so it helps if you’re quick with a smile and even quicker with a friendly “hello.” And while creativity is hardly synonymous with the service industry, catering businesses will give you the chance to suggest a quick change to the presentation of a platter or a cute redesign of the menu. Executing a successful event is like a communal piece of art, and every worker makes their contribution to the masterpiece.

Common Positions Available

Bussers – These quiet professionals work diligently to clear plates and clean tables, keeping the event space clean and tidy.

Dishwashers – These hard workers toil behind the scenes, cleaning dirty plates and silverware so fast that the supply never runs out.

Prep Cooks – Every meal requires hours of chopping, measuring, and other prep work, and these methodical workers get everything in order well before the event begins. 

Line Cooks – These culinary wizards manage a cooking station – like a grill or a deep fryer –  to fuel the event with a steady supply of hot, delicious food. 

Event Servers – With cheer, elegance, and grace, these consummate professionals bring out the food and make sure the guests have everything they need.

Catering Gig FAQs

How to get a good job at a catering company?

Getting a job at a catering company requires three simple steps: deciding what type of role you’d like, looking for open positions, and sending in an application. Think about whether you’d like to be a cook, server, dishwasher, or busser, and consider what your qualifications are for any of these roles. Then, look for open positions that match your preferences. While traditional outlets like newspapers can still have useful job listings, you’ll probably find more options by using an online listing service (like Jobble’s). Once you’ve created a shortlist of potential employers, send out an updated resume highlighting the skills that would make you an excellent caterer.

Is catering a good job?

Many caterers love their job. While it requires hard work, imposes irregular hours, and can cause some acute stress, it also provides flexibility and constant excitement. You could contribute to some truly spectacular events, from elegant weddings to massive conventions, and each job will provide a unique mix of challenges and rewards. Catering might not be for everyone, but it’s a great option for people with the right skill set and personality.

How are employees compensated for off-site catering jobs?

The earnings from a catering gig depend on the experience and specific role of the worker. Those with little experience might only earn $20,000 per year. Those with the experience and talent to become managers, meanwhile, can earn significantly more. According to statistics from the 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor, the median annual salary for food service managers was $59,440. With hard work and dedication, a career in catering can be both lucrative and rewarding.

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About the Author: Ben Clabault is a freelance writer from Sandwich, Massachusetts. He has spent much of his adult life traveling through Latin America. He currently lives with his fiance in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. His areas of expertise include travel, marketing, SaaS, and global cultures. You can find his work on Copyfolio and reach out to him on LinkedIn.