Catering Courses Career: Job Profiles, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters, Abroad

Updated on Sep 11, 2024 11:02 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Catering courses refer to programmes or courses that focus on the study and training of catering and hotel administration. These courses are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the hospitality industry, specifically in the areas of food production, housekeeping, front office management, and food and beverage service.

At the entry-level, Catering candidates can work as Trainees or Catering Assistants and earn an average salary ranging from INR 2 to 4 lakh. However, the positions at the mid-senior level can be Sous Chef and Event Manager with pay ranging from INR 6 to 12 lakh.  At the senior level, they can earn a salary ranging from INR 10 to 15 lakh at job profiles like Head Chef or Banquet Manager, and so on.

The colleges that offer the highest placement packages to Catering students are IGNOUUniversity of LucknowWelcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel AdministrationGuru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management, etc. Catering graduates can get hired in both the public and private sectors. They can find employment in Hotels, Restaurants, Marriage Lawns, Events, etc. The top recruiters for Catering students include the names of Taj, Hyatt, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Ramada, Renaissance, etc.

Also Read: Catering Course Overview

Average Salary Based On Job Position

The average salary for various job positions after Catering courses depends on a number of variables, including market growth and industry trends. The compensation given to entry-level employees or newcomers ranges between INR 4- 6 LPA.

The table below provides the average salary ranges for several employment positions for Catering graduates:

Job Position Average CTC (INR)
Commis Chef INR 2,00,000 - INR 4,00,000 per year
Chef de Partie INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000 per year
Sous Chef INR 6,00,000 - INR 12,00,000 per year
Executive Chef INR 10,00,000 - INR 20,00,000+ per year
Catering Manager INR 8,00,000 - INR 15,00,000 per year
Event Manager INR 3,00,000 - INR 8,00,000 per year
Food and Beverage Manager INR 6,00,000 - INR 12,00,000 per year
Restaurant Manager INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000 per year
Catering Sales Manager INR 5,00,000 - INR 10,00,000 per year
Food Stylist or Food Photographer INR 3,00,000 - INR 6,00,000 per year

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Careers in Catering

Catering students can work in a number of areas after completing their course. They can choose their areas of employment according to their interest and field in which they want to pursue long-term career. Candidates can work in either of the below-mentioned job profiles:

Job Profile Description Average CTC (INR)
Executive Chef Oversee the kitchen, plan menus, and manage staff INR 10,00,000 - INR 20,00,000+ per year
Sous Chef Assist the executive chef, supervise kitchen operations INR 6,00,000 - INR 12,00,000 per year
Catering Manager Manage catering operations, coordinate events INR 8,00,000 - INR 15,00,000 per year
Event Manager Plan and execute events, including catering INR 3,00,000 - INR 8,00,000 per year
Food and Beverage Manager Oversee food and beverage service in a facility INR 6,00,000 - INR 12,00,000 per year
Restaurant Manager Manage restaurant operations, staff, and customer service INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000 per year

Also Read: Popular Colleges in Catering

Specialisation Wise Salary for Catering Graduates in India

The salary offered to Catering graduates also varies as per the specialisation chosen during graduation. The salaries shared below reflect not only the specialisation, but also other factors such as company size, experience, industry, and location.

Specialisation Entry-level CTC Mid-level CTC Senior-level CTC
Culinary Arts INR 2-4 LPA INR 4-8 LPA INR 10-20 LPA
Event Management INR 2-4 LPA INR 4- 8 LPA INR 8-15 LPA
Hotel Management INR 3-5 LPA INR 4- 8 LPA INR 8-15 LPA
Food and Beverage Management INR 2.5-4.5 LPA INR 7- 8 LPA INR 6-15 LPA
Catering Sales INR 2-5 LPA INR 5-7 LPA INR 5-14 LPA
Food Styling/Photography INR 2-4 LPA INR 4-6 LPA INR 5-15 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Recruiters for Catering Students

Catering students can work in various settings, including Event Catering, Marriage Catering, Restaurant Catering, Banquet Halls and Hospitality industry. Students can see the table below to know the industries where Catering graduates can find employment.

Top Employment Areas for Catering Graduates
Healthcare  Private Organisations
Academics Non Government Organisations
Indian Railways Hotels

The various recruiters based on specialisations hire Catering graduates through placement drive conducted in top colleges. The various recruiters based on specialisation pursued in Catering includes the following:

Healthcare Recruiters
Apollo  Fortis Medanta
Piramal Sun Pharma Cipla
Academics Recruiters
Chandigarh University Lucknow University Parul University
XLRI Amity University Indian Institute of Management
Non-Government Organisations Recruiters
Butterfly HelpAge CRY
Nanhi Kali Goonj Care India
Hotels Recruiters
Taj Oberoi Renaissance
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts Hyatt Accor Hotels
Private Organisations

Accenture

Cognizant

Infosys

IBM India

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Wipro

Top Colleges for Placements in Catering

A number of Hospitality colleges are popular for their placement opportunities and the high range of domestic and international packages offered to the candidates. These colleges not only provide placement opportunities but also ensure good placements for the students.

Some of the top colleges and their placement report for 2023 are given in the table below:

College Name Average Annual Salary (in INR)
SPPU, Pune INR 5.87 LPA
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi INR 5.5 LPA
IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University INR 6.03 LPA
Alagappa University INR 5.2 LPA
INR 3.6 LPA
Panjab University INR 3 LPA
PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore INR 5.7 LPA
CSJM, Kanpur INR 8.7 LPA
INR 9.4 LPA
Kurukshetra University INR 5 LPA

How to get a Job After Catering Courses?

Here are some steps to help you secure a job in the catering industry:

  1. Complete Relevant Catering Courses: Start by enrolling in catering and culinary courses at a reputable institution. Ensure that the courses are recognized and accredited in the industry.

  2. Gain Practical Experience: Practical experience is crucial in the catering industry. Consider internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work in kitchens, restaurants, or catering companies to build your skills and network.

  3. Create a Professional Resume: Craft a well-structured resume that highlights your education, skills, and any relevant work experience. Tailor your resume for catering positions, emphasizing skills like food preparation, menu planning, and event coordination.

  4. Build a Portfolio: Compile a portfolio of your best culinary creations and catering events. Include high-quality photos and descriptions to showcase your skills and creativity.
  5. Apply for Jobs: Search for catering job openings through online job boards, company websites, and professional organizations. Submit your resume and cover letter when applying for positions.

Top Indian Cities to Get Lucrative Jobs After Catering Courses

Most top-tier cities offer vibrant job markets for Hopitality graduates. As Catering jobs in India include a wide range of industries and provide extensive learning opportunities, students can find employment and career progression in cities like 

City Job Opportunities Average CTC (INR)
Mumbai, Maharashtra High-end hotels, restaurants, event management, catering services INR 4,00,000 - INR 12,00,000+ per year
Delhi, NCR Upscale restaurants, hotels, corporate events, wedding catering INR 4,00,000 - INR 10,00,000+ per year
Bengaluru, Karnataka Corporate events, IT companies, upscale dining INR 4,00,000 - INR 9,00,000+ per year
Chennai, Tamil Nadu Event catering, hotels, banquet halls INR 3,00,000 - INR 8,00,000+ per year
Hyderabad, Telangana Event management, food industry INR 3,50,000 - INR 9,00,000+ per year
Pune, Maharashtra Institutional catering, event management INR 3,00,000 - INR 7,00,000+ per year
Kolkata, West Bengal Event catering, cultural events, corporate gatherings INR 3,00,000 - INR 8,00,000+ per year
Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana Catering for businesses, events INR 3,00,000 - INR 7,00,000+ per year
Jaipur, Rajasthan Event catering, weddings year Ahmedabadote: The data has been taken from external sources

Catering Courses Salary Abroad

Catering graduates can seek exciting job opportunities in popular job destinations such as UKUSA, CanadaAustralia, Germany, New Zealand. etc. The salary depends on various factors such as cost of living, location of the country, specialisation, years of experience, industry, etc. The salary ranges of the following countries are given in the table below:

Country Salary Offered
USA
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): $40,000 to $50,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): $55,000 to $60,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): $60,000 to $90,000 or more per year.
United Kingdom
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): £20,000 to £35,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): £35,000 to £40,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): £45,000 to £60,000 or more per year.
Canada
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): CAD 40,000 to CAD 60,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): CAD 60,000 to CAD 75,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): CAD 75,000 to CAD 90,000 or more per year.
 
Germany
 
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): €30,000 to €45,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): €40,000 to €55,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): €50,000 to €70,000 or more per year.
Australia
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): AUD 40,000 to AUD 60,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): AUD 60,000 to AUD 75,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): AUD 75,000 to AUD 90,000 or more per year.

Disclaimer: The above salary data has been obtained from external sites.

Catering Career FAQs

Q. What are the duties of a Caterer?

A. A caterer is responsible for providing food and beverage services for various events and occasions, such as weddings, corporate functions, parties, and more. Some of the key duties of a caterer include:

  1. Planning and coordinating menus, including selecting ingredients and preparing food and beverages.
  2. Overseeing the logistics of food preparation, presentation, and service, including managing staff and supplies.
  3. Ensuring that all food and beverages are prepared and served in a safe and sanitary manner and that all health and safety regulations are followed.
  4. Managing and maintaining inventory, including ordering and storing supplies and equipment.
  5. Collaborating with clients to understand their vision and preferences, and tailoring services accordingly.
  6. Coordinating with other vendors and suppliers, such as event decorators and musicians, to ensure a seamless event experience.

Overall, the duties of a caterer involve careful planning, attention to detail, and strong organizational and leadership skills. A successful caterer must be able to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities, while providing exceptional service and quality to clients and guests.

Q. What are the skills required to be a Caterer?

A. To become a successful caterer, some of the essential skills you should possess include:

  1. Culinary skills: A strong foundation in cooking techniques, menu planning, and food preparation is crucial.
  2. Event planning: You should be able to manage and organize events, including weddings, corporate functions, and parties.
  3. Customer service: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to ensure customer satisfaction.
  4. Time management: The ability to prioritize tasks, manage your time efficiently, and meet deadlines is critical.
  5. Marketing and sales: Knowledge of marketing and sales techniques can help you promote your catering services and attract new clients.
  6. Attention to detail: Paying close attention to details, such as presentation, quality of food, and customer preferences, is important to ensure success

Q. What are the areas of employment for a Caterer?

A. After completing a degree in Catering Technology and Culinary Arts, there are various areas of employment that one can explore. Here are some of the highlighted areas:

  1. Hotel Industry: With a degree in Catering Technology and Culinary Arts, you can work in various roles such as a chef, kitchen manager, or food and beverage manager in hotels.
  2. Airline Catering: You can work as a chef or kitchen manager in airline catering companies, preparing meals for passengers and crew.
  3. Institution/Industrial Catering: You can work as a chef or catering manager in institutions such as hospitals, schools, and corporate companies, providing catering services for their employees and clients.
  4. Hospital/Specialty Cooking: With a degree in Catering Technology and Culinary Arts, you can work as a specialty cook or chef in hospitals, preparing special diets and menus for patients.
  5. Railway Catering: You can work as a chef or kitchen manager in railway catering companies, providing meals for passengers and crew.
  6. Food Photography: With a degree in Catering Technology and Culinary Arts, you can work as a food photographer, capturing images of food for restaurants, hotels, and other food establishments.
  7. Cruise Line Food Production: You can work as a chef or kitchen manager on cruise lines, preparing meals for passengers and crew.
  8. Food Entrepreneurship: With a degree in Catering Technology and Culinary Arts, you can start your own food business, such as a catering service, a food truck, or a restaurant.

Q. Is Catering a good career?

A.  Yes, catering can be a good career choice for individuals who are passionate about food, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and are willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the industry. With a degree in Catering Technology and Culinary Arts, students can pursue careers in multiple ecosystems in food production, including the hotel industry, airline catering, institution/industrial catering, hospital/specialty cooking, railway catering, food photography, cruise line food production, food entrepreneurship, culinary consultants, and more.

The industry is also expected to continue growing in the future, offering many opportunities for advancement and professional development. Additionally, the skills learned in catering, such as attention to detail, time management, and teamwork, can be applied to a wide range of other career paths.

Q. How to get admission to Catering courses?

A. Students need to check the college websites for exact details related to admissions. There are no specific educational or professional requirements the best way to enter is through a Hotel Management course.  Entry is after XII (any subject) through a written test.

NCHMCT JEE is conducted for admission to 21 Central Institutes of Hotel Management, 19 State Government Institutes of Hotel Management, one Public Sector Undertaking and 14 Private Institutes of Hotel Management affiliated with NCHMCT.

Eligibility: XII with Pass in English. Selection Merit & Rank in the All India Written Test.

Craft courses allow a noncompetitive entry after Class X.

Q. What are the job profiles in Catering?

A. The Catering graduates can work at the below-mentioned job positions with an average salary ranging between INR 2 lakh to 8 lakh. The aspirants can see the table below for more detailed information:

Job Profile Average INR Salary (per annum)
Event Planner INR 2 LPA to INR 8 LPA
Executive Chef INR 6 LPA to INR 18 LPA
Pastry Chef INR 2 LPA to INR 8 LPA
Catering Manager INR 3 LPA to INR 12 LPA
Food and Beverage Manager INR 3 LPA to INR 18 LPA
Bartender INR 1 LPA to INR 15 LPA
Catering Sales Manager INR 2.5 LPA to INR 10 LPA
Catering Coordinator INR 2 LPA to INR 6 LPA

Q. Which are the top colleges in Catering?

A. Students can pursue Catering courses from a number of colleges. But some of the popular institutes from where they can study are: 

Q. Which are the top recruiters in Hospitality?

A. Some of the top companies that hire Catering graduates are mentioned in the below table:

Top Recruiters for Catering
Hilton Pizza Hut
ITC Hotels Subway
Marriott Hotels Taj Group of Hotels
Oberoi Hotel Renaissance

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Catering Courses. Students interested in pursuing a career on Catering Courses, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

16 Dec ' 24 - 15 Feb ' 25

NCHMCT JEE 2025 registration

17 Feb ' 25 - 20 Feb ' 25

NCHMCT JEE 2025 Application Correction Window

Jul '24

MAKAUT CET Choice Filling/ Counselling

TENTATIVE

12 Jul ' 24

Declaration of MAKAUT CET Results

Popular Catering Courses Specializations

Following are the most popular Catering Courses Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Catering Courses Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Catering Courses Colleges in India. Learn more about these Catering Courses colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
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#1 Outlook

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#2 Outlook

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4.47 L
5.0

#6 The Week

Catering Applications open. Apply Now

3.89 L - 4.01 L
1 Course
4.01 L
1.2 L - 5.2 L
5.0
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3.89 L - 4.01 L

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Popular Catering Courses UG Courses

Following are the most popular Catering Courses UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Catering Courses PG Courses

Following are the most popular Catering Courses PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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