Caterers, cooking

What does a catering worker in cooking do? – Tasks and work environment

A catering worker in cooking is responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking food for various events and orders, ranging from small private gatherings to larger corporate functions. Tasks often include menu planning, ordering ingredients, cooking, delivering, and sometimes serving on-site. The work is usually performed in large kitchens or specialized catering kitchens where the pace can be high, especially before and during major events. Hygiene standards and routines are important aspects of the work environment, with varying working hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Wage development over time

Wage development for catering workers in cooking has shown a steady increase in recent years. In 2022, the average wage was 29,000 SEK per month. In 2023, the average rose to 30 700 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 5.9%. In 2024, wages continued to rise to 31 400 SEK per month, an increase of an additional 2.3% from the previous year. This positive trend reflects both increased demand for experienced catering workers and a general wage pressure within the restaurant and large-scale catering sector. Larger events and a growing catering market contribute to higher valuation of competent staff, positively impacting salary levels. Differences based on education, experience, and sector are also observed.

Catering workers in cooking salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 31 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK/month (female, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 44,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 189 SEK
• Women's average salary: 30 900 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men's average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and labor market demand

Education and qualifications

To work as a catering worker in cooking, a basic education in hospitality and food service is usually required, often from high school programs in restaurant and food service. Practical experience from large kitchens, restaurants, or catering businesses is highly meritorious. Some employers accept documented experience and good references, while others may require specific certificates or training in food handling and hygiene.

• High school education: Restaurant and Food Service Program (3 years)
• Certificates: Food hygiene and HACCP
• Practical experience: Experience from restaurants or large kitchens is highly valued
• Courses: Specialization in catering, cold and hot kitchen
• Prerequisites: Interest in cooking and good teamwork skills

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for catering workers in cooking include shift differentials for working inconvenient hours, staff meals, wellness contributions, and sometimes skills development through internal courses. Some employers also offer uniform allowances or staff discounts, especially with larger public sector or catering companies.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the catering profession is relatively high, especially in larger cities where many seek work in restaurant and large kitchen sectors. Challenges often include managing periods of high work pace and quickly adapting to different customer wishes and event formats. Seasonal variations can impact workload, and flexibility is required to work early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. At the same time, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where some employers find it difficult to find the right skills despite a large supply of trained individuals. Personal suitability, experience, and teamwork ability are highly valued by employers.

Tips for those wishing to become a catering worker in cooking

To succeed as a catering worker in cooking, it is good to be flexible and have high stress tolerance, as the pace is often intense and tasks vary. Attention to hygiene and routines is crucial, especially when handling large quantities of food under time pressure. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration, where everyone shares responsibility for delivering high quality to the customer. Practical experience from restaurants or large kitchens provides an advantage, so seeking internships or part-time jobs to build skills is recommended. Showing engagement and willingness to learn new things is appreciated by employers, as is being service-minded and attentive to customer needs. Creativity is also an asset, as solutions to unexpected challenges or special requests are often required.

Key facts about catering workers in cooking

• Education level: High school education in hospitality and food service
• Work environment: Large kitchens, catering kitchens, and varied event settings
• Job market: 123 available jobs within the profession
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, unchanged outlook over 5 years

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a catering worker in cooking, there are good opportunities for further development within the industry. Common career paths include taking responsibility as a kitchen supervisor, team leader, or specializing in cold or hot cuisine. Those gaining experience and further education can also advance to head chef, nutrition manager, or start their own catering business. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, the prospects for employment are strong, with unchanged demand over five years. At the same time, recruitment difficulties are reported, meaning that engaged individuals with the right qualifications have good chances to establish themselves and advance in the field.

Frequently asked questions about catering workers in cooking

• What does a catering worker in cooking earn?
  - The average salary is 31 400 SEK per month, but wages may vary depending on experience, education, and employer.
• What education is required to work as a catering worker?
  - Usually, a high school diploma in hospitality and food service, along with practical experience from kitchens or catering.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like for catering workers?
  - The job market is good with high demand and 123 available jobs within the profession.
• What are the most common benefits for catering workers?
  - Common benefits include shift differentials, staff meals, wellness contributions, and sometimes skills development.
• What career opportunities are there after a few years in the profession?
  - Opportunities include advancing to kitchen supervisor, team leader, or further education to become a head chef.
• What is the work environment like for catering workers?
  - The work environment is characterized by a high pace, varying hours, and high hygiene standards in large kitchens or catering kitchens.