How to Become a Food Service Worker?
Are you thinking of becoming a Food Service Worker or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Food Service Worker, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Food Service Worker job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Food Service Worker
If you're considering starting your Food Service Worker career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Food Service Worker and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Food Service Worker career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Food Service Worker career path, a Bachelor's Degree in GED / High School Degree or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Food Service Worker internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What type of degree should you pursue to become a Food Service Worker?
100% of people working as a Food Service Worker earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be a Food Service Worker?
- English Language
- Excellent Communication
- Excellent Customer Service
- Positive Attitude
- Schedules
- Written Communication
- Security Clearance
- GOOD Communication
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Food Service Worker, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Food Service Worker field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Food Service Worker specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Food Service Worker
Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in GED / High School Degree or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Food Service Worker. In general, you can become a Food Service Worker after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Food Service Worker role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified food handlers certification.4
Advance in Your Food Service Worker Career
Following entry-level, there are several Food Service Worker career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Food Service Worker to progress to the senior food service worker position. Each advanced Food Service Worker position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Food Service Worker career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Food Service Worker career path.5
Continued Education for Your Food Service Worker Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Food Service Worker career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in GED / High School Degree can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Bachelor's Degree typically make $35,703 compared to $20,938 for those without that type of degree.Food Service Worker Career Path
Food Service Worker
8+Years of Experience
$29K - $37K /yrMost Likely Range
Senior Food Service Worker
2 - 4Years of Experience
$30K - $43K /yrMost Likely Range
Lead Food Service Worker
5 - 7Years of Experience
$30K - $40K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Food Service Worker Career Path
Food Service Worker I
Food Service Worker
Food Service Assistant Manager
Senior Food Service Worker
Food Service Worker Manager
Lead Food Service Worker
Senior Manager of Food Service
Assistant Director of Food Service
Head Food Service Worker
Senior Director of Food Service
Vice President of Food Service
$20K
$74K
$128K
$182K
$290K
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Related Careers in the Retail & Food Services Industry
Interested in other Retail & Food Services careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Food Service Worker skills. Discover some of the most common Food Service Worker career transitions, along with skills overlap.