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Catering Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Panorama City, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Panorama City, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Panorama City, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22/hr

At least 1 year of catering, food service, and banquet experience required. *Internal Employee ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Catering/events and prep experience required. * Perks: No weekends! No weeknights! No holidays ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

San Jose, CA · On-site

$23.50/hr

Catering experience required. * Perks: Willing to train! *Internal Employee Referral Bonus ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Previous catering experience is required. * Pay Range: $22.00 per hour to $25.00 per hour ... Associates at Bon Appétit are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions ...

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Catering Associate information

See California salary details

$10

$16

$20

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in California is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a catering associate?

Catering Associates are professionals who assist with the preparation, setup, and service of food and beverages for events such as meetings, parties, or large gatherings. Their responsibilities typically include arranging tables, setting up buffets, serving guests, and ensuring that food safety standards are met. They may also help with the cleanup after events and coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service. Catering Associates play a key role in creating a positive experience for event attendees by providing efficient and friendly service.

What does a catering associate do?

A catering associate serves food and drinks to customers at special events hosted by a catering company, such as a party or wedding. As a catering associate, your job duties include taking guests’ orders, maintaining the buffets, and refilling beverages. Although you do not need formal education to become a catering associate, the position typically requires on-the-job training and excellent customer service skills. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience and multi-tasking ability. You may also obtain a certificate or associate degree in catering to help advance your career in the foodservice industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catering associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catering Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in food service or hospitality, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food safety standards, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you manage client needs and collaborate with colleagues effectively. These skills ensure seamless event execution and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced catering environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by catering associates during large events and how can they be managed?

Catering Associates often face challenges such as managing time-sensitive food service, handling last-minute changes to event details, and ensuring all dietary requirements are met. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate closely with the kitchen and event coordinators, and maintain flexibility in responding to guests' needs. Developing strong teamwork and problem-solving skills can help Catering Associates navigate these situations smoothly and ensure a positive experience for clients and guests.

What is the difference between Catering Associate vs Catering Server?

AspectCatering AssociateCatering Server
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with event setup, food preparation, and customer serviceServing food and beverages, attending to guests, and clearing tables
Required SkillsCustomer service, teamwork, basic food handlingCustomer service, food handling, communication skills
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, catering companies, outdoor eventsEvent venues, banquets, private parties
CertificationsFood safety certification often preferredFood safety certification often required

While both roles involve working in catering settings, Catering Associates typically assist with event setup and food prep, whereas Catering Servers focus on serving guests and attending to their needs during events. Both positions require customer service skills and food safety knowledge, but their specific duties differ based on the event stage and responsibilities.

What are the positions in catering?

In catering, common positions include Catering Assistant, Catering Server, Banquet Server, Catering Supervisor, and Catering Manager. These roles involve food service, event setup, customer interaction, and coordination, often requiring teamwork and communication skills. Certifications like food safety may be beneficial for some positions.

What is the highest position in catering associate?

The highest position for a catering associate typically is a Catering Supervisor or Catering Manager, responsible for overseeing event operations, managing staff, and coordinating client services. Advancement often requires experience, leadership skills, and sometimes relevant certifications in hospitality or food service management.

What qualifications does a catering associate need?

A catering associate typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and strong customer service skills. Prior experience in food service or hospitality is often preferred, and knowledge of food safety standards and basic food handling is beneficial. Certifications such as ServSafe may be required or advantageous depending on the employer.
More about Catering Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Catering Associate job openings:

Catering Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,421 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

CATERING ATTENDANT (FULL AND PART TIME)

Wolfgang Puck Catering

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full and part time CATERING ATTENDANT positions.
  • Location: Chargers - 1 Chargers Way, El Segundo, CA 90245. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full and part time; Days and hours may vary. Weekend and evening open availability is required. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous food service experience is preferred. 
  • Pay Range: $19.00 per hour to $21.00 per hour.

*Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

 We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1530882.

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Wolfgang Puck Catering is committed to recruiting individuals who express an interest in and passion for hospitality-driven experiences; who come from diverse backgrounds, are open-minded and curious about our clients and guests; and, most of all, who possess a welcoming smile and spirit.  Our ultimate goal is to develop mentoring and career building opportunities through a talent pipeline that allows us to promote from within. 

"The most important thing in life, whatever you do, has to be passion." Wolfgang Puck

Success on our team starts with our culture:

  • We have Wolfgang’s PASSION for our business, our product, and our people / guests / clients.
  • A FLEXIBLE MINDSET is key; we are strategic business partners who wear multiple hats.  
  • Our services require a CONCIERGE mentality, a bias to action with humble hospitality.
  • We are out-of-the-box PROBLEM SOLVERS, who look around corners so our clients and guests don’t have to.  
  • We curate company and partner resources to bring our client’s vision to life.  We seek to cultivate the next generation of talent, purveyors and partnerships.
  • We bring an entrepreneurial approach to deliver results for our clients (you might call this scrappy).   
  • Collaboration and openness to innovative business tools, new ways of thinking and ability to partner across departments are essential to create optimal business solutions.

“I can have the best food, but if we don’t have good people, it won’t get you very far.”

Job Summary


Summary:   Delivers and serves food at scheduled functions under the supervision of the catering captain. Ensures the accurate execution of all events during his/her shift. May drive a catering delivery truck. Sets up and serves at functions; cleans event area during and after events; breaks down the setup and leaves the area neat and clean; returns leftover food and equipment to the catering facility in a timely manner.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assembles and delivers all food and supplies for catered functions to their scheduled locations.
  • Logs and maintains food temperatures.
  • Arranges tables and decorations.
  • Arranges buffet tables with food, beverage and service items according to standards.
  • Serve food and beverages to guests.
  • Thoroughly cleans location after event is completed.
  • Returns food and beverages, serving equipment and utensils to catering facility.
  • Distributes and collects customer comment cards for catered functions.
  • Stocks, cleans and maintains catering facility and equipment.
  • Ensures guests receive friendly, courteous service at all times.
  • Maintains in-depth knowledge of complete menu and products on hand.
  • Maintains clean and safe work environment.
  • Follows safety and sanitation policy and procedures at all times.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Qualifications:  

  • Valid driver's license may be required; must possess or able to obtain a valid food handler's permit and/or alcohol servers' permit where required by state law.

Associates at Wolfgang Puck Catering are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Maryland, Washington State, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information

 https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_WPC.pdf

Abides by all Company policies and procedures including but not limited to: 

  • The use of a medium weight cut gloves when handling or using knives, peelers, choppers, mandolins or cleaning a slicer. 

  • The use of oven mitts, fryer gloves or steamer gloves when handling hot pans from ovens, warmers or steamtables. 

  • The use of slip-resistant shoes and proper lifting techniques. 

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry
 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Wolfgang Puck Catering maintains a drug-free workplace. 

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.