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Catering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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RMT Buffet Catering, recognized as one of the Top 5 Caterers in Essex County, is seeking an experienced and driven Catering Chef to lead kitchen operations out of Irvington, NJ. This full-time, event ...

MOROS CATERING LLC is looking for a talented and passionate Prep and Catering Cook to join our culinary team in beautiful Skaneateles, NY! This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your kitchen skills ...

MOROS CATERING LLC is looking for a talented and passionate Prep and Catering Cook to join our culinary team in beautiful Skaneateles, NY! This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your kitchen skills ...

As an Catering Cook , at Fireside Catering, you will assist in the preparation, cooking and plating of delicious meals for a wide variety of events with unique menus according to the event timeline ...

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Catering Event Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Catering Lead Event Chef / Production Creations in Cuisine Catering / PASTA REA is a full-service catering company, and we are preparing for the start of another exciting event season! Our selected ...

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Seasoned high end catering Sous Chef with growth potential needed for busy catering operation. This position is responsible for assisting with overseeing culinary functions for multiple catering ...

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How much do catering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering in the United States is $22.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $26.92 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.

What cities are hiring for Catering jobs?

Cities with the most 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 Catering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Catering jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Catering jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Catering jobs are:

Infographic showing various Catering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,074 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Catering Chef

RMT Buffet Catering

Irvington, NJ • On-site

$24/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

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Job description

RMT Buffet Catering, recognized as one of the Top 5 Caterers in Essex County, is seeking an experienced and driven Catering Chef to lead kitchen operations out of Irvington, NJ. This full-time, event-based role requires a natural culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering exceptional food quality, presentation, and efficient teamwork for unforgettable event experiences.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and assist in high-volume food preparation according to event specifications, ensuring quality and timeliness.
  • Maintain impeccable client-facing presentation standards for buffet platters, family-style servings, individual plates, and desserts.
  • Provide leadership and direction to kitchen staff, enforcing sanitation, food safety, and operational excellence.
  • Manage food storage, labeling, and product rotation to comply with strict kitchen safety protocols.
  • Create clear, practical reheating and finishing instructions for off-site event execution.
  • Conduct accurate inventory counts and uphold cleanliness of cooking equipment, walk-ins, and refrigeration units.
  • Implement portion control and waste reduction strategies to optimize kitchen efficiency and cost control.
  • Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to meet event demands and schedules.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 6 years of proven experience in catering or commercial kitchen management.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate culinary staff effectively.
  • Sharp eye for food aesthetics and platter presentation.
  • Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and kitchen rotation methods.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings based on event schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Food Handler Certification.
  • Experience in catering management and team leadership.
  • Advanced skills in food preparation and plate presentation.
  • Proven time management capabilities.
  • Expertise in sanitation practices.

Company Description

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
Maintain clean and usable equipment for cooking staff and serving staff using proper cleaning methods and techniques.
Manage Daily maintenance on floors, work areas, sinks, bathrooms, dining room, cooking equipment. Use cleaning logs.
Put away/Store groceries in their proper location.
Maintain proper sanitation solution ratio to be used on cooking equipment.
DO NOT allow dishes to pile in sink.
Assist in Clearing of Tables when necessary.
Maintain proper appearance when in public view of clients or guests.
Maintain cleanliness of Floors, walls, sinks, dining room spills or mishaps that require immediate cleanups

CATERING CHEF
Prepares all foods for events according to worksheet / menu
Label and date stored food
Properly store all prepped and cooked food items accordingly
Manage cooking staff, proper sanitation practices, product usage/rotation and waste control
Submit reheating instructions for all items where applicable.
Maintain aesthetic quality of all items seen by clients and guests including Buffet table, platters, Pans, family style platters, individual plates, desserts and plates
Maintaining cleanliness of cooking equipment(ovens, stoves, tables) Organized refrigerator – designated locations of raw food, cooked food, vegetation, fruits, preserved sauces, dairy (eggs, cheeses, butter, milk/cream) fresh herbs, breads,
Assist in preparing food items.
Take inventory (Mondays and Thursdays)