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Retail

Food Service Manager

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

Annual openings

408

Median wage

$79,870

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+9%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. Work experience as a Supervisor is highly valued.

Previous experience as a Food Service Manager is highly valued by Public Health employers when hiring a Compliance Officer/Inspector.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Count money and make bank deposits.
  2. Establish standards for personnel performance and customer service.
  3. Schedule staff hours and assign duties.
  4. Monitor budgets and payroll records, and review financial transactions to ensure that expenditures are authorized and budgeted.
  5. Estimate food, liquor, wine, and other beverage consumption to anticipate amounts to be purchased or requisitioned.
  6. Test cooked food by tasting and smelling it to ensure palatability and flavor conformity.
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