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Food Services Worker Salary in the United States

How much does a Food Services Worker make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Services Worker in the United States is $31,635 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.

However, a Food Services Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $35,930
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $29,064 to $33,883
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $26,723
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View as table View as graph 25% $29,064 10% $26,723 90% $35,930 75% $33,883 $31,635 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Food Services Worker Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $33,883 $2,824 $652 $16
Average $31,635 $2,636 $608 $15
25th Percentile $29,064 $2,422 $559 $14
Check out Food Services Worker Job Openings in the United States
Assistant Director of Food Services

Trilogy Healthcare Services - Marion, OH

SUBSTITUTE Food Services

Educational Service Center of Central Ohio - Hamilton, OH

Food Services Assistant

Grand Lake Health System - Saint Marys, OH

Food Services Representative

Strategic HR Client - Marion, OH

Search More Food Services Worker Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Food Services Worker Salaries

A Food Services Worker'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.

How Experience Level Affects Food Services Worker Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Food Services Worker'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:

  • Food Services Worker (0-1 years): $31,635
  • Food Services Team Lead (1-2 years): $41,175
  • Food Services Supervisor (3-5 years): $66,565
  • Food Services Manager (5+ years): $85,774
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Food Services Worker0-1 years$31,635
Food Services Team Lead1-2 years$41,175
Food Services Supervisor3-5 years$66,565
Food Services Manager5+ years$85,774
$31,635 Food Serv...
$41,175 Food Serv...
$66,565 Food Serv...
$85,774 Food Serv...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Food Services Workers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $39,901
  • San Francisco: $39,464
  • Oakland: $38,633

What Skills Can Increase a Food Services Worker's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 14.61% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Foodservice (Mentioned in 2.87% Job Postings): The foodservice or catering industry includes the businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
  • Catering (Mentioned in 1.44% Job Postings): Catering is the business of providing food service at a remote site or a site such as a hotel, hospital, pub, aircraft, cruise ship, park, festival, filming location or film studio.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 14.61%
Foodservice 2.87%
Catering 1.44%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Food Services Worker's salary.
  • Generosity: Can increase your salary by up to 38%.
  • WFM: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Generosity
$43,656
38%
WFM
$35,748
13%
Commitment
$35,115
11%
Analysis
$33,849
7%
Brand Awareness
$33,849
7%
Decision Making
$33,533
6%
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How Education impacts a Food Services Worker's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Food Services Workers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Food Services Worker with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $32,120 and $34,508).

Food Services Worker Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Food Services Worker
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 8.8%
High School 50.8%
Associates 24.9%
Bachelors 15.0%
Masters 0.5%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Food Services Worker Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Food Services Worker'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, 2026

Food Services Worker Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Food Services Worker, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Food Services Worker Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Fast Food Shift Supervisor $34,707 10%
Fine Dining Restaurant Manager $59,442 88%
Food & Beverage Supervisor $40,392 28%
Food Services Team Lead $41,175 30%

Salary Trends for Food Services Worker

Salaries for a Food Services Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $30,803 in 2023 to around $30,299 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Food Services Worker salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Food Services Worker Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$30,803
2024
$30,654
2025
$30,299
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $30,803
2024 $30,654
2025 $30,299
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Food Services Worker

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Food Services Worker

Here are companies hiring for Food Services Worker and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Food Services Worker Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food Services Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Food Services Worker

1. Where can a Food Services Worker earn the most?

A Food Services Worker'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 Food Services Worker earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Food Services Worker is $39,901.

2. What is the highest pay for Food Services Worker?

The highest pay for Food Services Worker is $35,930.

3. What is the lowest pay for Food Services Worker?

The lowest pay for Food Services Worker is $26,723.

4. What are the responsibilities of Food Services Worker?

Prepares a variety of food according to proper preparation methods. Responsible for standard food service work including sanitation duties and various serving responsibilities. Knowledgeable of proper food handling procedures and regulations regarding the food code. May require a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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