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Catering Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

MGR, CATERING

Mclean, VA

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... As a Catering Manager, you will be responsible for managing the Catering Department in all duties ...

New

Flik Hospitality Group

MGR, CATERING

Mclean, VA · On-site

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... As a Catering Manager, you will be responsible for managing the Catering Department in all duties ...

New

Compass Group

CATERING ATTENDANT

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22/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

Arlington, VA · On-site

$23/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 ...

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All JobsCatering Associate JobsCatering Associate Jobs in Virginia

Catering Associate information

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$10

$16

$20

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Virginia is $16.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $17.64 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Catering Associate job openings:

Catering Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,574 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

CATERING ASSOCIATE/DELIVERY DRIVER (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$18.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Catering Associate/Delivery Driver

We are hiring immediately for full time and part time Catering Associate/Delivery Driver positions.

Location: Inova Fairfax Hospital - 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 Note: online applications accepted only.

Schedule: Full time & part time; hours may vary between 6:00am - 6:00pm, alternating weekends required. More details upon interview.

Requirement: Prior catering & food delivery experience is required. Must have a valid driver's license.

Perks: SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE: 50% paid at 30 days and 50% paid at 90 days! Terms & conditions apply – further details available during the interview.

Pay Range: $17.95 per hour to $18.25 per hour.

Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself. At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a culture that values caring for people, fostering belonging, and creating moments that truly matter. Here, your work has purpose: to nourish patients, caregivers, and communities while upholding the highest standards of detail, quality, and excellence in every meal served.

For more than 70 years, Morrison has supported leading health systems nationwide with culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our commitments, and believe in helping one another achieve more together by realizing our unlimited potential.

Job Summary

Summary: Delivers food, supplies and other products to units and areas of service using a vehicle. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Picks up requisitioned supplies from staging clerk.
  • Receives completed production orders from staging clerk. Inventories items to ensure completion of production orders.
  • Loads orders onto truck with assistance of staging clerks in a safe, orderly manner.
  • Unloads requisitioned materials at delivery site.
  • Follows sanitation and safety guidelines when handling food and equipment.
  • Ensures hot and cold food items are kept in compliance with company standards and meet all sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Collects empty containers and rejected or unsold merchandise.
  • Responsible for general cleanliness of assigned vehicle.
  • Performs routine maintenance on truck.
  • Interacts with coworkers to ensure company service standards.
  • Provides quality customer service via one-on-one attention to detail.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Must have a valid state driver's license and a valid food handler's permit where required.
  • Valid driver's license, ensuring safe operation of company vehicles in accordance with traffic laws and conditions.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS

  • Full-time and part-time positions are offered the following benefits: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and other voluntary benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability 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 Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group. 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. Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.

Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.

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