Caterer Careers Path

Caterer careers do not require any special education beyond a high school diploma. However, degrees earned from vocational, 2 and 4- year universities, or culinary schools may be useful for learning about preparing food.

Beyond taking courses in food preparation, nutrition, menu planning, and sanitation, caterers might also benefit from taking business and/or marketing courses. Many caterers begin by working in the food industry or for other caterers in order to gain experience.

Caterer Careers: Compatible Personality Traits

Enjoys working with food, excellent communication skills, people person, works well with others, multi-tasker, fastidious in appearance and hygiene, polite, good under pressure, able to cope with changing plans and situations, willing to work odd hours.

Caterer Careers: Salary Expectations

As a type of special food service worker, caterers earn an average salary of $20,260 per year. However, many caterers are self-employed and so their income is dependent on the number and size of events they serve.

Beginning caterers may start by working in other food service areas or under an established caterer; with time and experience, they may start their own company and make more money.

Caterer Careers: Job Outlook

Of all food service workers, caterers should be able to expect some of the best job growth. Since many caterers sign long-term contracts with large institutions such as hospitals and/or sporting venues, they are able to keep a fairly steady income.

Because of the narrow margins associated with food sales, caterers should be prepared to weather poor economic periods when people may not spend as much on events. Caterers with a broad range of prices and services and who have a good reputation should have the best chance of finding steady work.

Source: http://myfootpath.com/careers/culinary-careers/caterer-careers/