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Catering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

Catering Manager Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation ...

Restaurant Associates

Catering Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Catering Manager Salary: $80,000 - $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Baileys Crossroads, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Herndon, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Vienna, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Main Event Caterers

Catering Event Sous Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Join our team at Main Event Caterers as a Catering Event Sous Chef! As a vital member of our culinary team, you will have the opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity while delivering mouth ...

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $850K/yr

Catering Manager Salary: $80,000 - $85,0000 Other Forms of Compensation: Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation ...

Compass Group

Catering Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $850K/yr

Catering Manager Salary: $80,000 - $85,0000 Other Forms of Compensation: Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Baileys Crossroads, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

West Springfield, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

West Springfield, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $18.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way-you're in the ...

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Catering information

See Washington salary details

$12

$25

$40

How much do catering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering in Washington is $25.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $30.48 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Washington are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Catering jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Catering job openings:

Catering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,183 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Catering Manager

Compass Group

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 495 rated business services

Job description

Position Title: Catering Manager 

Salary: $80,000 - $85,000

Other Forms of Compensation:  

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 Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary
Restaurant Associates is seeking experienced, service-focused Catering Managers to support the World Bank Group’s Washington, D.C. campus. Reporting to the Director of Catering, this role partners closely with catering leadership, culinary teams, and campus stakeholders to plan and execute meetings, conferences, executive functions, and high-profile events in a fast-paced, international setting.
 
This position offers a primarily Monday–Friday schedule with most holidays off, along with occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends based on event needs and major meeting periods.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage assigned events from initial planning through execution, including billing, documentation, and post-event follow-up to ensure accuracy and client satisfaction
  • Maintain detailed and accurate banquet event orders, including timelines, guest counts, menus, dietary needs, staffing plans, equipment, and service requirements
  • Serve as the on-site operational lead, coordinating event setup, culinary timing, service execution, breakdown, and real-time adjustments
  • Build and maintain responsive, professional communication with clients, meeting organizers, and internal partners throughout the event lifecycle
  • Partner with catering leadership, culinary teams, and campus service groups to ensure seamless coordination across multiple events and locations
  • Direct, brief, and coach regular, union, and temporary staff during events, ensuring clear expectations, service standards, and effective execution
  • Develop event-specific staffing plans that align labor with guest counts, service style, complexity, and financial goals
  • Monitor event costs, including labor, food, and equipment, while accurately capturing billable items and changes
  • Use EMS and related systems to support scheduling, planning, reporting, invoicing, and recordkeeping
  • Anticipate operational challenges, resolve routine service issues, and escalate more complex concerns related to client experience, safety, or execution
  • Uphold Restaurant Associates standards for hospitality, presentation, food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety
  • Support large-scale meetings, tastings, training initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
What We’re Looking For
  • Experience in catering, banquets, conference services, or event operations within a hospitality or foodservice environment
  • Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines
  • Hands-on leadership experience directing event teams and managing live event execution
  • Working knowledge of event logistics, staffing, service flow, setup, breakdown, and billing processes
  • Strong client-service mindset with effective communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Comfort using event management systems and Microsoft Office tools
  • Ability to stay composed, adaptable, and solution-oriented in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment
  • Flexibility to support early mornings, evenings, weekends, or extended hours when required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in high-volume, corporate, or complex catering environments
  • Familiarity working with union teams or on-call/temporary staffing models
  • Experience supporting executive, VIP, diplomatic, or international events
  • Knowledge of EMS, Tripleseat, CaterTrax, Delphi, or similar systems
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, responsible alcohol service) or willingness to obtain
  • Additional language skills or experience supporting a diverse client base
 

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

  

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. 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. 

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

Associates at Restaurant Associates 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)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

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.

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

Req ID:  1545494

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

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