Food service managers have an array of responsibilities both in and out of the kitchen. Essentially, they are responsible for all operations of the restaurant or of a similar establishment that prepares and serves food and beverages to customers. As such, managers typically work long hours, anywhere from 12 to 15 hours a day resulting in 50 or more hours per week. This stressful job often requires the manager to smooth over mistakes and calm unhappy customers. Food service managers must have some experience in the food service industry when looking to be hired for a position. Most often, food service managers are promoted from within the company having first started working as a food service worker. Commonly, however, higher manager positions require some kind of postsecondary education in a hospitality or food service management program. With the employment outlook for food service managers declining by 3 percent from 2012 to 2020, those with further education would be of most demand.
Median Pay: $48,130
Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Required Work Experience: 1 to 5 years
Job Outlook: -3%
—Emily Scott
