Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than 5 years
None
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers play a key leadership role in the food service world, overseeing staff and day-to-day operations. Nationally, this occupation employs 1,215,000 people, indicating a large and established field. The national median annual salary of $42,010 offers a foundation that can vary by location, with some states and metro areas reporting higher typical pay. Projected employment growth of 6.0% and 184,000 annual openings point to ongoing demand, which may appeal to job seekers looking for consistent opportunities. The role emphasizes customer service, leadership, problem solving and decision making, and strong speaking and listening skills, supported by interpersonal abilities, project management, and attention to detail. Physical strength, stamina, and fine motor skills are also important, reflecting the active nature of the work. With a typical education requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent, this career can be accessible to a wide range of candidates who are ready to lead teams and support food service operations.
The national median annual salary for first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers is $42,010, but pay differs notably by state and metro area. Among top states by opportunity score, Washington reports the highest median salary at $59,400, followed by Colorado at $50,550 and New York at $47,190. California and Massachusetts show median salaries of $46,980 and $46,600, respectively. At the metro level, Washington state’s higher statewide median is reflected in strong metro pay elsewhere: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a median salary of $55,520, and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports $51,520. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro shows $48,690, while Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Boston-Cambridge-Newton offer $47,580 and $47,090. These figures suggest that local market conditions and geography can significantly influence earning potential within this career.
First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers currently hold 1,215,000 jobs nationwide, indicating a large employment base. Projected employment growth of 6.0% points to expansion over time, rather than a shrinking or stagnant field. In addition to growth, there are 184,000 annual openings, which encompass both newly created positions and replacement needs. Together, these numbers indicate a steady flow of opportunities for new entrants as well as experienced workers seeking to move between employers or locations. The consistent 6.0% growth rate also appears across top states and metro areas listed, showing a similar projected pace of expansion in those regions. For individuals considering stability and job availability, the combination of a sizable existing workforce, measurable projected growth, and a high volume of annual openings can make this occupation a practical option to explore in the food service and hospitality-related labor market.
Location makes a clear difference for first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers. Among states with top CareerGPS opportunity scores, California leads with a score of 67.38, median salary of $46,980, and 130,190 employed, reflecting both a large job base and solid pay. Massachusetts and New York follow closely on opportunity scores (65.87 and 65.78) with median salaries just under or slightly above $47,000 and employment levels of 23,220 and 65,580. Colorado and Washington have somewhat lower opportunity scores (56.97 and 56.29) but stand out for higher median salaries, especially Washington at $59,400. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ have the highest opportunity scores (77.42 and 77.27), with median salaries of $55,520 and $48,690. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton also combine mid-to-upper $40,000s–low $50,000s salaries with strong opportunity scores and notable employment levels.
For first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers, the typical education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the role accessible to individuals who may not have completed a college degree but are ready to take on responsibility and lead others. Since the job centers on overseeing food preparation and serving staff, skills play a critical role in success. Customer service and interpersonal skills support day-to-day interactions with guests and team members. Leadership, problem solving and decision making, and project management are key for directing staff and handling routine operational challenges. Speaking and listening skills help with clear communication, while being detail oriented supports accuracy and consistency. Physical strength and stamina, along with fine motor skills, reflect the active and hands-on nature of many tasks in food service environments. Together, the education level and skill profile create a pathway into supervisory work for motivated candidates with strong people and organizational abilities.
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