Food Service Managers Description OES Code: 150260 Food Service Managers plan, organize, direct, control, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages and/or provides lodging and other accommodations. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $8.18 minimum – $14.38 New, experienced: $9.76 minimum – $19.18 3 yrs+ experience: $11.52 minimum – $23.08 Experienced managers of expensive-menu restaurants in resorts or cities with high density tourism can earn as much as $10,000 monthly. Fast-food restaurants usually pay the lowest wages. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Long work hours that usually include evenings, holidays, and weekends are common in this industry. Paid vacation, sick leave, and medical insurance plans are typically part of the employee benefit package for almost all Food Service Managers. Some employers also pay at least partial dental, vision, and life insurance. Employment Trends Employment 1990 24,310 Projected Employment 2005 39,840 Growth Rate 1990-2005 64% Openings due to Separations 7,750 Employment Trends by California County New jobs will account for most of the opportunities in this occupation, but many will result from experienced managers leaving the labor market or changing careers. Most opportunities will be in major metropolitan and resort area. Advancement While there are no rigid rules regarding the pattern of promotion, a typical career ladder progresses from management trainee to assistant manager to manager. In chain operations, managers may advance into administrative jobs such as human resources (personnel) manager and then progress to operations manager. Getting the Job & Other Information Job seekers should apply directly to hotels, restaurants, hospitals, school districts, prisons, and senior residence complexes. Leads from college placement offices and newspaper ads are common ways of getting a job. Job seekers should also register with the nearest California Employment Development Department office. for more information, contact: Society for Food Service Management 304 W. Liberty Street, Ste 201 Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 583-3783 For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Almost all employers require at least three years of experience in food service. Some will accept a combination of training and work experience. In chain-operated facilities, many manager trainees learn entry-level jobs such as bussing tables to gain experience in all levels of restaurant or cafeteria operations. Health care facilities may require Dietary Managers to be registered dietitians, especially if they supervise other dietitians. Several community colleges and private schools offer a certificate or associate degree in food service management. In areas where food-management programs are not available, recommended college-level courses are business administration, labor relations, accounting, and economics. Any restaurant work provides opportunities for hands-on experience and the chance to test interest in food service management. Students should work part time in restaurants or school cafeterias to prepare for this career. Although some fast-food chain companies recruit experienced managers from outside the organization, most companies make their selection from candidates who have worked for the company in a lower-paying job; these firms look for candidates who have three or four years of responsible work experience and good interpersonal skills. Skills & Other Requirements Employers ranked oral and written communication and the ability to plan and organize the work of others as very important skills. The ability to work under pressure, solve problems, and deal effectively with the public also rank high. Managers need to work both independently and under close supervision when necessary. Computer literacy and knowledge of food purchasing ranked as moderately important by many employers. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide Food Service Managers #503 Related Occupation: Management Trainees #59, Human Resources Specialists & Managers #135, Retail Store Managers #242 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.