Food Service · Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$22–27k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$32–38k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+2% · As fast as average
Projected growth of 2% from 2024 to 2034; about 70 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Cafeteria
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Experienced Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Senior Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Director of Food Service
You prioritize Relationships
This career is strongly aligned with Relationships — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Speaking
Speaking is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
Browse schools offering programs in this field
229 schools offer programs in this career field.
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