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Catering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Real Smoked BBQ Catering

Catering Manager

Aptos, CA · On-site

$72K - $77K/yr

Catering Manager Responsible for executing catering at all restaurants in our family of BBQ restaurants. The Catering Manager is expected to lead and organize catering events that will make a ...

WEDDING DAY CATERING INC

Catering Associate

Vista, CA

$16.90 - $24/hr

Catering Associate Part-Time | North San Diego County $16.90 - $26.00hr Evenings, Weekends & Holidays Required Create Unforgettable Experiences Through Exceptional Service Trademark Venues is seeking ...

WEDDING DAY CATERING INC

Catering Associate

Vista, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $26/hr

Catering Associate Part-Time | North San Diego County $16.90 - $26.00hr Evenings, Weekends & Holidays Required Create Unforgettable Experiences Through Exceptional Service Trademark Venues is seeking ...

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Catering information

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How much do catering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering in California is $21.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is catering?

Catering is a service that provides food and beverages for events, gatherings, or organizations, often including preparation, delivery, set-up, and sometimes service staff. Caterers work for a variety of occasions such as weddings, corporate events, parties, and conferences. The service can range from delivering prepared meals to full-service event planning, including menu design, table settings, and cleanup. Catering companies work closely with clients to customize menus and ensure dietary needs and preferences are met.

What is the difference between a caterer and a chef?

The main difference between a caterer and a chef is that a caterer works at private events rather than in a brick and mortar shop. Some caterers begin their careers as chefs and then change to catering full-time. However, there is no rule that you can’t be both. Many chefs run catering businesses on the side or vice versa. Additionally, many have similar training, including culinary or hospitality school. Caterers may also switch careers to become chefs.

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

To thrive in catering, you need strong organizational skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in culinary preparation, often backed by a relevant food handling certificate. Familiarity with catering management software, commercial kitchen equipment, and event planning tools is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you excel in dynamic, client-focused environments. These skills ensure events run smoothly, client expectations are met, and food safety and quality standards are maintained.

What are some common challenges faced by catering professionals during large events, and how can they be addressed?

Catering professionals often encounter challenges such as managing last-minute changes to guest counts, accommodating dietary restrictions, and coordinating with multiple vendors or event planners. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and flexibility. Establishing clear protocols, maintaining open lines of communication with clients and team members, and preparing contingency plans can help ensure events run smoothly and client expectations are met.

What is the difference between Catering vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCateringFood Service Worker
CredentialsOften requires food safety certifications, catering-specific trainingTypically requires basic food handling permits
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, private parties, corporate eventsRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer & IndustryEvent planning companies, catering servicesRestaurants, food establishments, hospitality industry
Job FocusPreparing, serving, and managing food at eventsServing customers, food prep, maintaining cleanliness

While both catering and food service workers handle food, catering focuses on preparing and serving food at special events and requires event-specific skills and certifications. Food service workers typically work in restaurants or cafeterias, providing daily customer service. The roles overlap in food handling but differ in environment and scope.

Is catering a good side hustle?

Catering can be a viable side hustle for those with cooking skills, organizational abilities, and customer service experience. It often involves flexible hours and the potential for additional income, but requires managing food safety, permits, and equipment. Success depends on local demand, marketing, and the ability to handle event logistics.

What does a catering job consist of?

A catering job involves preparing, serving, and delivering food and beverages for events such as parties, weddings, or corporate functions. It often requires setting up tables, maintaining cleanliness, and providing customer service, with skills in food safety and time management being important. The work environment can be fast-paced and may involve working evenings or weekends.
More about Catering jobs

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

The most popular types of Catering jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Catering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Catering job openings:

Catering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,470 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Catering Manager

Real Smoked BBQ Catering

Aptos, CA • On-site

$72K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:

Catering Manager


Responsible for executing catering at all restaurants in our family of BBQ restaurants. The Catering Manager is expected to lead and organize catering events that will make a significant impact on growing our business.


Our Catering Manager will promote, book and organize the catering offerings of our restaurants. This position requires an enthusiastic individual with the organizational skills to manage several catering orders and the marketing skills to significantly grow our business.


Key Responsibilities:


Catering Sales:

  • Define and package our catering offerings
  • Market our catering packages to bring in a significant new revenue stream
  • Develop and maintain a catering and event planning service to customers
  • Actively seek out new customers and vendors
  • Network with industry professionals and build working relationships with event facilities

Catering Management:

  • Serve as primary point of contact for all catering orders from initial inquiry through the day of the event for final questions
  • Coordinate staffing for catering events
  • Ensure successful operations of catering functions including labor cost, food cost control and preparation, transportation, setup, and operation of events


Salary & Benefits:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Phone Allowance
  • Travel Reimbursement
  • Medical/Dental Insurance
  • Paid PTO 15 days per year
  • Paid Holidays
  • Dining Discounts
Requirements:

Position Requirements:

  • Two years of experience working in the hospitality industry required
  • BS in Hospitality preferred
  • Valid Drivers License
  • Good DMV record
  • Catering or event management experience preferred
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Project management skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills