Median / Average Pay ($)
- $14.92 / hour (BLS.gov)
- $18.70 / hour (Indeed.com)
- $14.88 / hour (ZipRecruiter.com) (Catering Staff)
- $18.23 / hour (Payscale.com)
Services Provided
- Food and Beverage – Preparing and serving single and buffet-style meals, desserts, and beverages according to a desired menu; this sometimes includes plate and bar services.
- Event Staffing Support – Providing the staff to prepare or cook meals and drinks while providing the client support via a coordinator or event manager’s efforts.
- Rentals – Leasing event items such as chairs, tables, tableware, linens, silverware, and other serving equipment in addition to the tents, lights, and decorations for outdoor events or those with a theme.
- Delivery and Setup – Bringing the equipment, supplies, food, and drink to the event location, setting it up, and then breaking it down; additionally, unless it is a drop-off customer, the caterers also usually provide cleaning.
- Post-Event Cleanup – Removing the catering items used during an event (i.e., barstations, dishware, and decorations), cleaning the areas, and disposing of the refuse.