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Catering Help Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WEDDING DAY CATERING INC

Catering Associate

Vista, CA

$16.90 - $26/hr

... help create memorable experiences for weddings, celebrations, and special events throughout North San Diego County. As a Catering Associate, you are a key part of delivering an exceptional guest ...

B&B Catering & Events

Catering Event Chef 1

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

About Us At B&B Catering & Events, we don't just serve food--we craft moments. Since 1989, our team ... How You'll Help Bring Events to Life In this role, here is what you will do: * Prepare and cook ...

Chick-fil-A

Catering Coordinator

San Bernardino, CA

$21 - $22.75/hr

Catering Coordinator Reports to: Executive Team Pay rate: $21.00-$22.25 per hour JOB SUMMARY The ... help bless the community. * Social Media: at least 2 posts per week and 10 stories per week pre ...

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Catering Help information

See California salary details

$8

$18

$35

How much do catering help jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering help in California is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as Catering Help, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions, often supported by a food handler’s permit or similar certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, safe food storage, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and a customer-focused attitude help you excel during high-pressure events. These skills ensure efficient service, food safety, and positive client experiences in a fast-paced catering environment.

How can I get a catering help job?

To get a catering help job, you should gain experience in food service, demonstrate good customer service skills, and be prepared to work flexible hours. Many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some employers may prefer food safety certifications like ServSafe. Applying through local catering companies or event staffing agencies can also increase your chances of finding opportunities.

What is the difference between Catering Help vs Catering Server?

AspectCatering HelpCatering Server
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, setup, cleanup, and basic service tasksServing food and beverages, attending to guests, and ensuring a positive dining experience
CredentialsNone typically required; some roles may prefer food safety knowledgeNone usually required; experience in customer service helpful
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, kitchens, outdoor setupsEvent venues, banquet halls, outdoor catering events
Industry UsageCommonly used for entry-level support roles in cateringUsed for front-line service staff in catering and hospitality

In summary, Catering Help roles focus on supporting the event setup, cleanup, and basic tasks, while Catering Server positions involve directly serving guests and managing their dining experience. Both roles are essential in catering operations but differ mainly in responsibilities and customer interaction levels.

What is catering help?

Catering help refers to individuals who assist with the preparation, setup, serving, and cleanup of food and beverages at events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. They work under the supervision of a catering manager or chef and are responsible for tasks like setting tables, serving guests, replenishing supplies, and ensuring cleanliness. Catering help may work for catering companies, hotels, or event venues, and often work part-time or on a flexible schedule depending on event needs.

What are some common challenges faced by catering help staff during events, and how can they be managed effectively?

Catering help staff often face challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, handling last-minute changes, and coordinating with multiple team members to ensure smooth service. Adaptability and strong communication skills are key to managing these situations, as is staying organized and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure. Building good rapport with colleagues and event coordinators also helps streamline tasks and address any unexpected issues quickly. Proactive problem-solving and teamwork are essential for delivering a successful event experience.

What are popular job titles related to Catering Help jobs in California?

For Catering Help jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Catering Help jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Catering Help jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Catering Help jobs?

Cities in California with the most Catering Help job openings:

Catering Help jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Help job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, and 78% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,942 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

CATERING ATTENDANT (ON CALL)

Wolfgang Puck Catering

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for on call CATERING ATTENDANT positions.
  • Location: SSF Commissary - 1080 San Mateo Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: On call; Days and hours may vary based upon event schedule. More details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: Previous catering experience is preferred.
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $25.00 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 1545152.

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.