As the food industry continues to flourish, restaurants, cafes, and catering companies are constantly on the lookout for skilled professionals to join their teams. If you dream of working in a foreign country while pursuing a career in the food service industry, you’ll be pleased to know that many establishments offer job opportunities with visa sponsorship.
Visa Sponsorship: What Does It Mean?
Visa sponsorship is a process through which an employer helps a foreign worker obtain the necessary work authorization to legally work in their country. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement, as it allows businesses to fill essential positions with qualified candidates, while also allowing workers to gain international experience.
What is a Food Service Worker?
All of the tasks involved in meal preparation fall under the purview of the food service employee. They are in charge of making certain that each and every meal is of the finest caliber.
One of a food service worker’s primary responsibilities is to clean the stovetop for the cooks, follow food safety guidelines, assist the cooks with meal preparation, and make straightforward dishes like salad.
They must also contribute to keeping the kitchen tidy and organized. A food service worker might advance to become a cook or a restaurant manager, among other positions.
Food Service Worker: A Growing Demand
The food service industry has grown significantly over the years, and it continues to be a major player in the global job market. With the increasing popularity of dining out and the diverse culinary trends sweeping the world, the demand for skilled food service workers remains high.
Food service worker salary in the United States
How much does a Food Service Worker make in the United States? However, the salary depends on the location, experience, and skills.
Though the average salary for a food service worker range is $16.66 – $28.18 per hour. While the per yearly average salary range is $38,759 – $65,569.
Some top Companies for Food Service Workers in the United States
There are also some companies you can work with that offer visa sponsorship. However, below are the names of the company’s salary ranges:
| Name of companies | Salary range per hour | Salary range per year | Website | Types of Jobs |
| Eurest | $12.96 – $26.00 | $36,000 – $112,005 | https://www.eurest-usa.com/careers/ | Baker, Regional Marketing, Asst GM 1, etc. |
| SAGE Dining Services | $12.96 – $22.99 | $52,441 – $136,935 | http://www.sagedining.com/ | Food service director, cook, prep cook/line service, etc |
| First Watch | $10.00 – $30.00 | http://www.firstwatch.com/ | Server, service team, food runner, dishwasher, etc | |
| Compass Group | $11.19 – $28.00 | $34,000 – $154,678 | https://www.werkenbijcompassgroup.nl/ | Cook, food service worker, additionally executive chef, housekeeper, etc. |
| Sodexo | $11.70 – $32.76 | $28,000 – $143,882 | http://www.sodexo.com/ | Floor tech, dishwasher, cook, food service worker, etc |
| Taco Bell | $8.93 – $26.86 | $20,800 – $158,000 | http://www.tacobell.com/ | Restaurant Manager, Shift Leader, Restaurant Staff, etc. |
| Taco Bell | $8.93 – $26.86 | $20,800 – $158,000 | http://www.tacobell.com/ | Foodservice team member, shift lead, etc. |
| Army & Airforce Exchange Service | $9.80 – $23.89 | $19,000 – $87,500 | http://www.shopmyexchange.com/ | Supervisor, truck driver, food service worker, etc. |
| Morrison Healthcare | $11.47 – $31.65 | $45,989 – $108,525 | https://www.morrisonhealthcare.com/ | Utility worker, cook, dietary aide, etc. |
| LGC Associates, LLC | $11.47 – $23.74 | $37,785 – $102,844 | https://www.lgcassociates.com/ | Cook, restaurant manager, banquet server, etc. |
| TKC Holdings | https://careers.tkcholdings.com/why-us | Warehouse worker, lead cook, operations associate, etc |
Highest paying cities for Food Service Workers near the United States
There are also some cities where you can find high-paying food service workers close to the United States. However, we have put together a list below of these cities so far:
| Name of Cities | Per hour salary range | Per year salary range |
| Atlanta, GA | $57,531 – $106,268 | $57,531 – $106,268 |
| Washington, DC | $23.97 – $37.57 | $55,762 – $87,407 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $23.54 – $39.97 | $54,776 – $93,001 |
| Orlando, FL | $22.86 – $37.61 | $53,183 – $87,514 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $20.43 – $35.85 | $47,527 – $83,408 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $20.10 – $37.49 | $46,772 – $87,233 |
| Portland, OR | $19.50 – $30.98 | $45,364- $72,074 |
| Dallas, TX | $19.49 – $34.57 | $45,350 – $80,437 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $18.63 – $35.34 | $43,340 – $82,218fin |
Most Common Benefits For Food Service Workers
Aside from the high pay, there are lots of benefits to enjoy. However, below are some of the benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- 403(b)
- AD&D insurance
- Commuter assistance
- Dental Insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Food provided
- Free Parking
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Parental leave
- Pet insurance
- Prescription drug insurance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Wellness Program
High-Paying Food Service Worker with Visa Sponsorship
Food service workers typically perform a range of tasks in various settings, including restaurants, catering companies, hospitals, schools, and more. While many food service jobs may not be considered high-paying, some roles within the industry offer competitive salaries, especially with experience and expertise. Here are 10 types of food service workers that can potentially earn higher salaries:
Executive Chef
- Average Salary range: $77,040 – $108,259 per year
- $33.03 – $46.42 per hour
Executive chefs are responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation, including menu planning, food preparation, and managing kitchen staff. Their salaries can vary widely but are often among the highest in the industry.
Sous Chef
- Average Salary Range: $59,819 – $78,205
- $19.97 – $26.11 per hour
Sous chefs assist the executive chef and are responsible for managing the kitchen when the executive chef is not present. They often earn good salaries, particularly in upscale restaurants.
Pastry Chef
- Average Salary range: $18.72 – $18.72 per hour
- $44,380 – $57,160 per year
Pastry chefs specialize in creating desserts and baked goods. Those with advanced skills and experience can command higher salaries, especially in fine dining establishments.
Food and Beverage Manager
- $61,388 – $87,978 per year
- $22.47 – $32.20
Food and beverage managers oversee the dining experience in restaurants, hotels, or resorts. They are responsible for managing staff, inventory, and customer service. Experienced managers can earn competitive salaries.
Restaurant Manager
- $57,879 – $76,915 per year
- $18.26 – $24.26
Restaurant managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a restaurant, including staffing, budgeting, and customer service. In larger establishments or upscale restaurants, their salaries can be quite substantial.
Catering Manager
- $58,176 – $79,323
- $15.71 – $21.42
Catering managers coordinate and oversee catering events for various clients, from weddings to corporate gatherings. Those managing high-end events can earn good incomes.
Banquet Chef
- $18.81 – $24.35 per hour
- $95,600 – $123,750
Banquet chefs specialize in catering large events and banquets. Their expertise in mass food production and presentation can result in higher salaries.
Food Service Director
- $66,704 – $97,115 per year
- $28.60 – $41.64 per hour
Food service directors are responsible for managing the dining services in institutions like schools, hospitals, and senior living facilities. In larger organizations, they can earn competitive salaries.
Wine Sommelier
- $19.65 – $34.23 per hour
- $54,168 – $94,370 per year
Sommeliers are experts in wine and beverage service, often found in upscale restaurants. They can earn well through a combination of salary and tips.
Food Scientist
- $95,834 – $147,733 per year
- $41.61 – $64.15
Food scientists work in research and development roles within the food industry, creating and improving food products. These positions often require advanced degrees and can offer high-paying opportunities.
Keep in mind that salaries in the food service industry can vary widely based on factors such as location, level of experience, education, and the type of establishment. Additionally, positions that involve management or specialized skills tend to offer higher earning potential compared to entry-level roles.
Duties & Responsibilities
It depends on the field you belong to and the company you are working with. However, general responsibilities include:
- Clean the stovetop as needed.
- Help the cooks with food preparation.
- Create simple food items such as salad.
- Help out in the kitchen as needed.
- Deliver food orders to customers.
- Keep the kitchen clean and orderly.
- Answer any customer questions.
Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- High School Diploma preferred
- Ability to listen to directions
- Amazing work ethic
- Ability to learn new skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Knowledge of food safety
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to learn and read directions
- Ability to stand for 8 hours a day
Best online Site to Get a Food service worker Visa Sponsor
There are countless online sites that offer jobs with visa sponsorship. However, some of the reliable sources to get this job include:
- Indeed.com
- Linkedin.com
- Ziprecruiter.com
- Glassdoor.com, etc.
How to Apply
Getting a job and a visa as a potential immigrant is quite straightforward. Here’s a simple guide:
- Make sure you meet the job requirements.
- Create a well-organized resume and cover letter.
- Search for a job in the US on websites like LinkedIn or indeed.com.
- Once you find a job you like, wait for the employer to review your application. If they think you’re a good fit, they’ll offer you the job.
- The employer will then submit a job petition to the USICS and the US labor market institute for approval.
- After approval, you’ll receive a job offer letter in your name, which you’ll use to apply for a visa.
Visa For Food Service Worker
A visa for a food service worker typically falls under a temporary work visa category, such as an H-2B visa in the United States. This visa allows foreign workers to come to the US temporarily to fill seasonal or temporary positions in the food service industry.
The specific requirements and application process can vary by country and destination, so it’s essential to consult the respective country’s embassy or consulate for detailed information and guidance on obtaining this visa.
FAQs
What Are The Working Hours For Food Service Workers?
Food service workers often work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as restaurants and food establishments are typically busiest during these times.
What Is The Average Salary For A Food Service Worker?
The salary for food service workers can vary widely depending on factors like location, type of establishment, and experience. In many cases, food service workers earn an hourly wage, which may include tips.
Are There Opportunities For Advancement In A Food Service Career?
Yes, there are opportunities for advancement in the food service industry. With experience, workers can progress to supervisory or management roles, such as shift supervisor, kitchen manager, or restaurant manager. Additionally, some may choose to pursue culinary education to become chefs or cooks.
