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Freelance Catering & Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Idea Peddler

Freelance Graphic Designer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

... freelancer. This is a great opportunity to gain professional experience, grow your network, and ... catered weekly meal; recurring educational opportunities and more! Idea Peddler, founded in 2011 ...

Cheddar

Freelance Multimedia Journalist

Washington, DC

$75 - $100/hr

... catering to millennials and Gen Z audiences. With a mission to empower the next generation of ... WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Multimedia Journalist to join ...

Cheddar

Freelance Multimedia Journalist

Washington, DC · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

... catering to millennials and Gen Z audiences. With a mission to empower the next generation of ... WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Multimedia Journalist to join ...

Cheddar

Freelance Anchor/Reporter

New York, NY

$65 - $75/hr

... catering to millennials and Gen Z audiences. With a mission to empower the next generation of ... WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Reporter/Anchor to join our team.

Cheddar

Freelance Anchor/Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

... catering to millennials and Gen Z audiences. With a mission to empower the next generation of ... WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Reporter/Anchor to join our team.

Contigo Catering

Brand Marketing Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Contigo Catering is one of Austin's premier catering and event companies, delivering exceptional ... Manage external agencies, freelancers, and creative partners as needed. Characteristics & Skills ...

Contigo Catering

Brand Marketing Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Contigo Catering is one of Austin's premier catering and event companies, delivering exceptional ... Manage external agencies, freelancers, and creative partners as needed. Characteristics & Skills ...

Contigo Catering

Brand Marketing Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Contigo Catering is one of Austin's premier catering and event companies, delivering exceptional ... freelancers, and creative partners as needed. Characteristics & Skills Characteristic or Skill ...

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Freelance Catering information

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How much do freelance catering & jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance catering & in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of catering is most profitable?

For freelance catering, event catering such as weddings and corporate functions tends to be the most profitable due to higher budgets and larger orders. Specializing in niche markets like vegan or gluten-free catering can also increase profitability by attracting specific client segments. Successful caterers often focus on quality, efficiency, and building repeat business to maximize earnings.

What is a Freelance Catering & job?

A Freelance Catering & job involves providing food and beverage services for various events on a flexible, self-employed basis. Freelance caterers handle menu planning, food preparation, and event setup while coordinating with clients to meet their specific needs. Since they work independently or with a small team, they must manage logistics, budgeting, and marketing to attract clients. This job offers flexibility but requires strong organizational skills and a passion for hospitality.

What can I do instead of being a chef?

As a freelance catering professional, you can explore roles such as event planning, menu consulting, or food styling, which utilize culinary skills in different contexts. Other options include food writing, teaching cooking classes, or working in food photography, often requiring strong communication and presentation skills. These alternatives allow you to leverage your culinary expertise outside of traditional chef duties.

What is freelance catering?

Freelance catering involves independently providing food and beverage services for events such as parties, corporate functions, or weddings. Caterers in this field typically plan menus, prepare dishes, and serve clients on a flexible schedule, often working with multiple clients without a fixed employer. Success in freelance catering requires culinary skills, good organization, and the ability to manage client relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Freelance Catering & position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Catering & Events professional, you need culinary expertise, event planning experience, and a solid understanding of food safety regulations, often supported by certifications such as ServSafe. Familiarity with catering management software, POS systems, and scheduling tools is important for efficiently managing multiple events and client requests. Strong communication, organization, and customer service skills help build lasting client relationships and ensure seamless event execution. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality service and maintaining a steady flow of freelance opportunities in a competitive industry.

How to find catering opportunities?

Freelance catering professionals can find opportunities through online job boards, catering platforms, and social media networks. Building a strong portfolio, obtaining relevant certifications, and networking with event planners and venues can also help secure catering gigs.

What are the main challenges faced by Freelance Catering & Events professionals, and how can I overcome them?

One of the main challenges for Freelance Catering & Events professionals is managing fluctuating workloads and adapting quickly to different client expectations and event types. You may face tight timelines, last-minute changes, and the need to coordinate with various vendors or venues. Staying highly organized, maintaining a strong network of reliable suppliers, and having clear communication with clients can help navigate these challenges. Investing in project management tools and continually updating your culinary and event planning skills will also increase your adaptability and success in this dynamic role.

More about Freelance Catering jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Catering & jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Catering & job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Catering & jobs? The most popular types of Catering & jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Catering & jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Catering & jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Catering & jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Catering & jobs are:
Freelance Catering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Catering & job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Front of House Catering and Event Staff

Front of House Catering and Event Staff

Catering by Michaels

Morton Grove, IL

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Join Our Event Team

At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. Every interaction, every detail, and every moment contributes to an experience that guests remember long after the event is over.

Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from weddings and galas to corporate events, festivals, private parties, and everything in between.

We are looking for energetic, hospitality-driven individuals who take pride in their work and want to be part of creating memorable experiences for our clients and guests.

About Catering by Michaels

For more than four decades, we have built our reputation as one of Chicago's leading catering and events companies through quality, creativity, and exceptional service.

  • Scratch kitchen with a commitment to culinary excellence
  • Sustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green Seal
  • Experience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, the Black Creativity Gala, and the University of Chicago Alumni Weekend
  • Preferred caterer at many of Chicago's most iconic venues
  • Full-service catering and event production throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs

We are passionate about creating experiences that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact.

Why This Role Matters

Our event staff are the face of Catering by Michaels. Whether serving guests, tending bar, or leading a service team, you play a direct role in how clients and guests experience an event.

Success in this role requires professionalism, teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to stay composed in a fast-paced environment.

No two events are exactly alike, which means every shift brings new experiences, new venues, and new opportunities to grow.

Available Positions

  • Servers
  • Attendants 
  • Coat Check 
  • Bartenders
  • Captains

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide professional and attentive service to guests throughout events
  • Learn and confidently communicate menu and beverage offerings
  • Assist with event setup, service execution, and breakdown
  • Work collaboratively with event teams to ensure smooth operations
  • Follow service standards and company procedures at all times
  • Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude throughout each event
  • Adapt quickly to changing event needs while maintaining quality and efficiency
  • Represent Catering by Michaels with professionalism and hospitality at all times

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and stressful service environment
  • Reliable transportation is required. Events take place throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, and many locations are not easily accessible by public transportation alone
  • Ability to lift and carry trays and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds
  • Professional appearance, grooming, and demeanor
  • Ability to work as part of a team while maintaining a strong sense of personal responsibility
  • Prior hospitality, serving, bartending, or catering experience is helpful but not required
  • Spanish language skills are a plus. If you speak Spanish, you will be working alongside team members who do as well

Scheduling

This is a part-time, event-based position with flexible scheduling.

You choose your availability, and our staffing team offers shifts based on event needs. This is an excellent opportunity for students, hospitality professionals, performers, freelancers, or anyone looking for flexible work while remaining a W-2 employee.

Most events take place during evenings, weekends, and holidays so availability during those times is essential. 

Why Work With Catering by Michaels

We have been doing this since 1980 because we care about doing things the right way. We hold ourselves to a high standard because our clients trust us with some of their most important moments.

If you enjoy working with people, thrive in a team environment, and want to be part of some of Chicago's most exciting events, we encourage you to apply.

Join a catering and events company that values professionalism, hospitality, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Apply