Food Preparation and Serving Occupations
The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) states the following about food preparation and serving occupations:
Overall employment in food preparation and serving occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 1.3 million new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 2.4 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.
The median annual wage for this group was $28,400 in May 2021, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
(Source: bls.gov)
Food Preparation and Serving Jobs
Below you will find a list of positions with a job summary, entry-level education, and median pay level. Each link brings you to a specific job page where you can find more information about the position and commonly asked interview questions and answers for that job.
| Occupation | Job Summary | Entry-Level Education | 2021 Median Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bartenders | Bartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff. | No formal educational credential | $26,350 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served. | High school diploma or equivalent | $50,160 |
| Cooks | Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods. | High school diploma or equivalent | $29,120 |
| Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers | Food and beverage serving and related workers perform a variety of customer service, food preparation, and cleaning duties in eating and drinking establishments. | No formal educational credential | $25,980 |
| Food Preparation Workers | Food preparation workers perform many routine tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers. | No formal educational credential | $28,780 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | Waiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments. | No formal educational credential | $26,000 |
(Source: bls.gov)
Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers
Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!
- Accomplishments
- Adaptability
- Admission
- Behavioral
- Career Change
- Career Goals
- Communication
- Competency
- Conflict Resolution
- Creative Thinking
- Cultural Fit
- Customer Service
- Direct
- Experience
- Government
- Graduate
- Growth Potential
- Honesty & Integrity
- Illegal
- Inappropriate
- Job Satisfaction
- Leadership
- Management
- Entry-Level & No experience
- Performance-Based
- Personal
- Prioritization & Time Management
- Problem-solving
- Salary
- Situational & Scenario-based
- Stress Management
- Teamwork
- Telephone Interview
- Tough
- Uncomfortable
- Work Ethic