First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Salary 2025: $44,080 Median, Strong Growth
The median annual wage for first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers is $44,080, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $21 per hour, with the highest-paid 10 percent earning above $65,570 and the lowest-paid 10 percent below $29,940. With more than 1.2 million people holding this job nationwide, it's one of the largest supervisory roles in the U.S. economy.
How much First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers earn
The typical salary range for this occupation is wide. The bottom 10th percentile earns around $29,940 annually, while the top 90th percentile brings in $65,570. The mean annual wage across all workers is $46,180, or about $21 an hour.
Pay depends heavily on the type of establishment. Supervisors in full-service restaurants, fast-food chains, cafeterias, and institutional food services all land in different segments of the pay scale. Experience, location, and whether the role is unionized also affect earnings.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Washington State pays the highest average salary for these supervisors at $59,400, followed closely by Washington, D.C. at $57,170. Connecticut ($52,940), Colorado ($50,550), and Vermont ($49,820) round out the top five.
On the other end, Oklahoma ($35,420), Arkansas ($33,800), and West Virginia ($33,070) offer the lowest average wages. Cost of living differences explain some of the gap, but the variation is still significant.
- Highest-paying states: Washington ($59,400), District of Columbia ($57,170), Connecticut ($52,940), Colorado ($50,550), Vermont ($49,820)
- Lower-paying states: Oklahoma ($35,420), Arkansas ($33,800), West Virginia ($33,070)
How to become First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Worker
Most first-line supervisors in food service start as cooks, waitstaff, or other entry-level workers. High school diploma or equivalent is usually required; college education is not essential, though a certificate or associate degree in hospitality management can help.
Typical steps to get the job include: gain experience in a food service role, demonstrate leadership and reliability, get promoted from within. Some employers require food safety certification (ServSafe) and may prefer applicants with a few years of experience.
- 1. Work in an entry-level food service position (cook, server, host).
- 2. Show strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- 3. Obtain food safety certification (often required).
- 4. Apply for supervisory openings — most are filled internally.
Job outlook
Employment for first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, a rate faster than the average for all occupations. This growth should create about 183,900 job openings each year over the decade, mostly due to replacement of workers who leave or retire.
The large size of the occupation and steady demand for food services contribute to the positive outlook. Even during economic slowdowns, eating out and institutional food service continue to need supervision.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers?
The national median salary is $44,080 per year, or about $21 per hour. The average (mean) is $46,180.
How much do first-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers make per hour?
Based on the mean annual wage of $46,180, the hourly wage is roughly $21. Rates vary by state and employer.
Which states pay the most for this job?
Top-paying states include Washington ($59,400), District of Columbia ($57,170), Connecticut ($52,940), Colorado ($50,550), and Vermont ($49,820).
What education do you need to become a first-line supervisor in food service?
A high school diploma is typically required. Most supervisors are promoted from entry-level roles after gaining experience. Food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe) is often needed.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers data.