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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Catering Director in California is $87,936 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Catering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Catering Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $100,299 | $8,358 | $1,929 | $48 |
| Average | $87,936 | $7,328 | $1,691 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,137 | $6,678 | $1,541 | $39 |
The Hunter Group Associates - San Jose, CA
Aramark - Westchester, CA
Millennium Hotels and Resorts - Sunnyvale, CA
The H.Wood Group - West Hollywood, CA
A Catering Director'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Catering Director'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 Director | $84,203 |
| Intermediate Level Catering Director | $84,542 |
| Senior Level Catering Director | $85,671 |
| Specialist Level Catering Director | $89,208 |
| Expert Level Catering Director | $91,572 |
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 Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Catering Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Catering Director positions in Business Services or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Catering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $105,523 | $51.0 | 20% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $96,729 | $47.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Catering Director'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $100,299 | $8,358 | $1,929 | $48 |
| Average | $87,936 | $7,328 | $1,691 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,137 | $6,678 | $1,541 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Catering Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Vittori & Company Llc
San Diego, CA
Vittori & Company Llc | San Diego, CA
Director of Catering Sales (Strategic Leader & Coach)The Wild Thyme Company San Diego, CAAre you the kind of sales leader who gets more fired up by watchin... more
7 Days Ago
Aramark
Holy, CA
Aramark | Holy, CA
As Catering Services Director at ARAMARK, you will lead all aspects of on-site catering operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and se... more
10 Days Ago
Marriott International Inc
Palm Springs, CA
Marriott International Inc | Palm Springs, CA
Convention Services Department LeaderLeads and directs the Convention Services department. Directs the activities and monitors the performance of the Conve... more
7 Days Ago
Superior Talent Source
Huntington Park, CA
Superior Talent Source | Huntington Park, CA
Catering Sales DirectorFull-Service Fast Casual Restaurant Brand Growth-Focused ConceptWe are seeking a strategic and hands-on Catering Sales Director to b... more
7 Days Ago
SODEXO VAGAS OPERACIONAIS
Anaheim, CA
SODEXO VAGAS OPERACIONAIS | Anaheim, CA
Centerplate and our partner venues have been defining extraordinary experiences through thoughtful hospitality, expertly delivered, for more than 80 years ... more
7 Days Ago
Panera Bread
STATE COLLEGE, PA
Panera Bread | STATE COLLEGE, PA
At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun a... more
15 Days Ago
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