Chefs and caterers seem to have similar jobs; however, there are important differences between them. Read on to learn about chefs, caterers and the differences in their positions.
Notable Differences Between Chefs and Caterers
Caterers are often chefs, but the majority of chefs are not caterers. This is probably the most notable difference between the two careers. For example, a caterer might be a trained chef who has entered mobile food service, but a chef is not a caterer because he or she prepares food within the same restaurant or food establishment on a daily basis.
Depending on whether you'd like to be a chef or a caterer, there are sometimes different regulations you'll need to meet. As a chef in a restaurant or similar setting, you'd have to meet state laws and regulations concerning food safety and healthcare. As a caterer, you might have to meet additional state licensing requirements before you may perform catering duties. Find out the specific job duties for each career below.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTheseOccupations">Important Facts About These Occupations</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> </td><th> Chef </th><th> Caterer</th></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Baker, Cook, Food Preparation Worker </td><td> Lodging Manager, Sales Manager, Server</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> In the restaurant, hotel or other service kitchens full time, early morning, late evening </td><td> Full time in different locations, such as fine-dining restaurants, schools, offices, and/or private events</td></tr>
<tr><td> On-the-Job Training </td><td> Apprenticeship/mentorship programs are available </td><td> Relevant internships are available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $50,160 </td><td> $59,440 (<i>for food service managers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 15% </td><td> 10% (<i>for food service managers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---ChefDefined">Chef Defined</h3><p>Chefs direct cooking activities and fulfill leadership roles for food establishments. They create recipes, collect food supplies, prepare food and help cook incoming orders. Depending on which position they're hired for, chefs could have additional, specific job duties. For example, if you worked as an executive chef, you might play a large role in the coordination of the kitchen staff. As a sous chef, you could work in a supportive role and fill in when the head chef isn't around or is otherwise occupied.
</p><p>You could start your own restaurant as a chef. If this is your goal, you'll need to handle the business aspects of running a restaurant, as well as the cooking duties. For example, you may need to oversee and manage the servers and greeters who work for you. You'll probably also have to perform accounting and bookkeeping duties.
</p><h3 id="section---CatererDefined">Caterer Defined</h3><p>Caterers provide food service in a variety of locations and either on a one-time or repeating basis. The events they work can include weddings, funerals, banquets, conventions, and parties. You might even work an event in an individual's home. Catering duties can range from dropping off prepackaged lunches to cooking meals on the spot to working with the tastes and requests of customers. At some events, you might only serve appetizers and drinks, while at others you might serve a buffet or dinner with multiple courses.
</p><p>Caterers normally work alongside other event workers, such as wait staff, and help set up sites by arranging chairs, tables, and decorative items. Some events are designed with a specific theme in mind. In these cases, you'll have to create decorations and food that match the theme in order to please your client.</p>
