What First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers this way: "Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Resolve customer complaints regarding food service"; "Train workers in food preparation, and in service, sanitation, and safety procedures"; "Inspect supplies, equipment, and work areas to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards"; "Control inventories of food, equipment, smallware, and liquor, and report shortages to designated personnel"; "Assign duties, responsibilities, and work stations to employees in accordance with work requirements".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 1,236,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 1,303,500 in 2035, an increase of 67,100 jobs (+5.4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 171,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 13.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $44,080, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers earn the most
Across the 30 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $36,215 in Kentucky to $55,565 in Washington, a gap of $19,350 (1.53 times). 14 of those 30 states average above the BLS national median of $44,080 and 16 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 136,600, which is 10.0% of the 1,361,140 counted across them. California follows with 129,680.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($55,565), Colorado ($50,535) and New Jersey ($48,081) lead the ranking, while Kentucky ($36,215) and Texas ($36,298) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 48 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $19,174. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $1,707 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 47 of the 48 markets and falls short in 1. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 32.4% and 83.6% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
Chefs and Head Cooks belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (35-1000) include .
Frequently asked questions about First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
How much do First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $44,080. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $36,215 to $55,565.
Which state pays First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $55,565. Colorado is next at $50,535.
Is First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 171,500 openings a year.
What education do First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.
Where can First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $19,174 on a median wage of $47,580.