As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Catering Manager in the United States is $52,344 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Catering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Catering Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Catering Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Catering Manager | $49,990 |
| Intermediate Level Catering Manager | $50,272 |
| Senior Level Catering Manager | $52,156 |
| Specialist Level Catering Manager | $54,368 |
| Expert Level Catering Manager | $55,320 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Catering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 6.28% |
| HACCP | 1.54% |
| Community Marketing | 0.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Outside Sales
|
$61,242 |
17%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$59,672 |
14%
|
|
Networking
|
$58,625 |
12%
|
|
Listening
|
$58,102 |
11%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$57,578 |
10%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$57,578 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Catering Managers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Catering Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $50,191 and $54,976).
Catering Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 18.9% |
| Associates | 16.5% |
| Bachelors | 59.2% |
| Masters | 5.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Catering Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a Catering Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Catering Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $79,043 - a projected growth of 51% over your current level.
Salaries for a Catering Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,995 in 2023 to around $43,994 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Catering Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,995 |
| 2024 | $44,713 |
| 2025 | $43,994 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Catering Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Catering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Catering Manager is $66,021.
The highest pay for Catering Manager is $67,584.
The lowest pay for Catering Manager is $40,289.
Plans, directs, and coordinates catered events for an establishment. Negotiates contracts, assists in the selection of menu items, schedules catering staff, arranges for facilities or equipment, and communicates customer needs to the appropriate personnel. Develops and maintains catering accounts by ensuring customer satisfaction before, during, and after the event. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/ production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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