As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Catering Assistant in the United States is $31,657 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Catering Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Catering Assistant'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 Assistant'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 Assistant | $31,299 |
| Intermediate Level Catering Assistant | $31,557 |
| Senior Level Catering Assistant | $32,058 |
| Specialist Level Catering Assistant | $32,158 |
| Expert Level Catering Assistant | $32,225 |
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 Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 9.34% |
| Healthcare Services | 3.03% |
| POS System | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SOP
|
$37,039 |
17%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$33,873 |
7%
|
|
Organizing
|
$33,873 |
7%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$33,873 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$33,557 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$33,240 |
5%
|
For Catering Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Catering Assistant positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Catering Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $39,572 | $19.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $37,989 | $18.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $37,989 | $18.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $36,406 | $18.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $34,823 | $17.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Catering Assistants enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Assistant with a No Diploma is between $28,238 and $30,684).
Catering Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.8% |
| High School | 52.8% |
| Associates | 13.0% |
| Bachelors | 26.0% |
| Masters | 2.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Catering Assistant'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Catering Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $30,662 in 2023 to around $30,160 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Catering Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $30,662 |
| 2024 | $30,513 |
| 2025 | $30,160 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Catering Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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