The food industry isn’t just about flipping burgers or waiting tables—it’s a multi-billion-dollar sector with high-paying opportunities for those with the right skills and experience. If you’re passionate about food and looking to turn that passion into a lucrative career, you’re in the right place.

From executive chefs to food scientists, here are five food industry jobs that can bring in $75,000 or more per year.

1. Executive Chef

National Average Salary: As of March 2025, approximately $99,915, with a typical range between $87,195 and $114,797

Where You’ll Find These Jobs: High-end restaurants, hotels, cruise lines, private clubs

An executive chef is the mastermind behind a restaurant’s kitchen. They create menus, manage kitchen staff, oversee food costs, and ensure top-tier food quality.

Job Duties:

• Menu Development: Design and update menus to reflect seasonal ingredients and current food trends.​
• Kitchen Management: Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to safety standards.​
• Staff Supervision: Hire, train, and manage kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.​
• Budget Oversight: Manage food costs, inventory, and kitchen budgets to maintain profitability.​
• Quality Control: Ensure all dishes meet the establishment’s quality and presentation standards.

How to Get There:

• Start as a line cook or sous chef and gain experience in high-end kitchens.
• Consider a degree from a culinary school (though experience can sometimes outweigh formal education).
• Build a strong portfolio and network within the restaurant industry.

Pro Tip: Working in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas can push salaries well beyond $100K.

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2. Catering Sales Manager

National Average: As of March 2025, the average annual salary is approximately $60,764.

Where You’ll Find These Jobs: Hotels, resorts, event venues, private catering companies

A catering sales manager is responsible for booking and coordinating large-scale events, from corporate gatherings to weddings. This role combines hospitality, sales, and event planning to create unforgettable dining experiences.

Job Duties:

• Client Acquisition: Identify and secure new catering clients through networking and marketing efforts.​
• Event Coordination: Plan and coordinate all aspects of catered events, including menu selection and logistics.​
• Contract Negotiation: Develop and negotiate contracts with clients to ensure mutually beneficial terms.​
• Revenue Management: Achieve sales targets and contribute to the overall profitability of the catering department.​
• Customer Service: Maintain strong relationships with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.

How to Get There:

• Gain experience in event planning, hospitality sales, or catering coordination.
• Develop strong relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• Consider certifications in event management or hospitality sales.

Pro Tip: Working for luxury hotels or high-end catering companies can lead to six-figure earnings with commission-based bonuses.

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3. Restaurant General Manager

National Average: As of March 2025, the average annual salary is approximately $63,582

Where You’ll Find These Jobs: Upscale restaurants, high-volume chains, resorts

A restaurant general manager (GM) doesn’t just oversee day-to-day operations—they drive profitability, manage staff, and create exceptional dining experiences.

Job Duties:

• Operational Oversight: Manage all aspects of restaurant operations, including staffing, budgeting, and inventory control.​
• Staff Leadership: Recruit, train, and supervise staff, ensuring high performance and adherence to company policies.​
• Customer Experience: Ensure exceptional customer service and address any issues to maintain a positive reputation.​
• Financial Management: Monitor financial performance, including sales, expenses, and profitability, and implement strategies for improvement.​
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and licensing requirements.

How to Get There:

• Gain experience as a restaurant supervisor or assistant manager.
• Develop skills in budgeting, marketing, and customer service.
• Some companies prefer a degree in hospitality management, but hands-on experience is key.

Pro Tip: Managing multiple restaurant locations or a Michelin-starred venue can push earnings into six figures.

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4. Food & Beverage Director

National Average: As of March 2025, the average annual salary for a Food & Beverage Director in the United States is approximately $109,970.

Where You’ll Find These Jobs: Hotel chains, resorts, airline catering, cruise lines

A food & beverage (F&B) director oversees the entire dining experience at large establishments, ensuring high standards for food, service, and profitability.

How to Get There:

• Gain experience as an executive chef or restaurant GM.
• Develop skills in menu development, financial planning, and vendor negotiations.
• Consider certifications in hospitality management or business administration.

Pro Tip: Roles at luxury hotels and international resorts tend to offer the highest salaries.

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Final Thoughts

The food industry offers plenty of high-paying careers beyond traditional restaurant roles. Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a sales-driven professional, or a hospitality expert, there’s a path for you to earn $75K or more doing what you love.