Food Service is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the country. The Restaurant and Food/Beverage Services career pathway provides a wide variety of employment opportunities such as baker, caterer, chef, cook, restaurant manager, waiter, and many others. VALEES member schools with Food Services programs that align with Joliet Junior College's Culinary Arts Hospitality Management program include:
- Batavia H.S.
- East Aurora H.S.
- Hinkley-Big Rock H.S.
- Indian Creek H.S.
- Indian Valley Vocational Center
- Kaneland H.S.
- Oswego and Oswego East H.S.
- Plano H.S.
- West Aurora H.S.
- Yorkville H.S.
Employment in Restaurants and Food/Beverage Services ranges from part-time jobs to professional positions. Completion of postsecondary training in culinary arts, management, or a related field is increasingly important for advancement in the industry. Pay depends upon the educational attainment of the worker and the type of work:
- Fast food worker $16,000-$19,000
- Restaurant manager $30,000-$57,000
- Cook/chef salaries range from $18,000 to $100,000
- Waiter $13,000-$28,000
Career Cruising provides additional career information that will be helpful in planning a career pathway. If you have not yet used Career Cruising, it will be helpful to talk with your school counselor for free access to this valuable online career planning tool.
