The Definitive Guide To Working in The Food Industry In 2022 (USA)
The food industry is a powerful and growing industry in the United States. The Definitive Guide To Working In The Food Industry In 2022 (USA) will help you learn about the different aspects of working in this field. It covers topics such as job titles, salaries, outlook for the future, and tips on how to get hired. This guide also provides an overview of employment in the food industry in the USA so that you can understand the current landscape. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not working in this field is right for you.
Table of content:
Chapter 1. Overview of employment in the food industry in the USA.
Chapter 2. Reasons to work in the food industry.
Chapter 3. Most common job titles in the food industry and their descriptions.
Chapter 4. Salaries in the food industry in the USA.
Chapter 5. Outlook for the food industry.
Chapter 6. Tips how to get a job in food industry.
Chapter 1. Overview of employment in the food industry in the USA.
The food industry in the United States is a massive and complex sector that employs millions of Americans. The industry includes everything from small, family-owned businesses to large, multinational corporations. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including farming, processing, manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing, and foodservice.
The food industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy. In 2021, the industry generated $1.81 trillion in sales and employed more than 15 million people. The food industry is also one of the largest employers of low-wage workers. In 2021, nearly one-quarter of all low-wage workers in the United States were employed in the food industry.
The food industry has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. Technology has transformed how food is produced and distributed, and changing consumer preferences have created new opportunities and challenges for companies throughout the supply chain. These changes have had a profound impact on employment in the food industry.
Farm employment has declined sharply over the past several decades as farms have become more productive and efficient. In 2021, there were 2 million farms in the United States, down from 4 million in 1950. The number of people employed on farms has fallen even more dramatically - from 14 million in 1950 to just 2 million today.
Wages for farmworkers have remained largely stagnant over time; median hourly earnings were just $15.65 in 2021 (compared with $22.00 for all occupations). Benefits are also quite limited; only about one-third of farmworkers receive health insurance from their employer.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Chapter 2. Reasons to work in the food industry.
The food industry is a booming sector with plenty of opportunities for those seeking new challenges. Here are six reasons to work in the food industry:
1. The food industry is growing rapidly.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the food and beverage sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. This growth is expected to continue as more and more people are looking for convenient and healthy food options. With this growth comes plenty of opportunities for those seeking new challenges in the industry.
2. You can make a difference in people's lives.
Working in the food industry means that you have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives every day. Whether you're working to develop new products that meet consumer needs or you're helping to get nutritious meals into schools, your work can have a real impact on people's lives.
3. There's always something new to learn.
The food industry is constantly changing, which means there are always new things to learn. From keeping up with the latest trends to learning about cutting-edge technology, there's always something new to keep you engaged in your work.
4. You can be creative and entrepreneurial.
Working in the food industry provides ample opportunity for creativity and entrepreneurship . If you have an idea for a new product or a better way of doing things, there's likely a place for it in the market. And, with so many small businesses and startups popping up in the space, there's also room for you to create your own business venture.
5. There are job options for everyone.
The beauty of working in the food idustry is that no matter what your skillset or interests , there are job options available. From marketing and sales to research and development to production and operations, every aspect of food industry requires a team of dedicated professionals .
6. You can find work anywhere in the world.
One of the great things about working in the food industry is that your career can take you anywhere in the world. With a globalized economy, food companies are increasingly looking for talent from all over the world.
Chapter 3. Most common job titles in the food industry and their descriptions.
1. Waitstaff
The primary responsibility of waitstaff is to take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. In some cases, they may also be responsible for preparing food.
2. Cooks
Cooks are responsible for preparing food in restaurants and other food-service establishments. They typically use recipes to prepare dishes, but may also be required to come up with their own creations.
3. Chefs
Chefs are responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation in a restaurant or other food-service establishment. They develop menus, oversee food preparation, and ensure that the kitchen runs smoothly.
4. Food Service Managers
Food service managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service operations in restaurants and other establishments. They ensure that the kitchen staff is properly trained, that menu items are prepared correctly, and that customers are satisfied with their dining experience.
5. Bartenders
Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic beverages to customers in bars and restaurants. They must be familiar with a wide range of drinks and how to make them, as well as local laws regarding alcohol consumption.
6. Baristas
Baristas prepare and serve coffee drinks in coffee shops. They must be knowledgeable about different types of coffee beans and brewing methods, as well as how to make popular espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
7. Dishwashers
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, glassware, pots, and pans in restaurants or other food-service establishments. They typically operate dishwashing machines but may also wash dishes by hand when necessary.
Chapter 4. Salaries in the food industry in the USA.
The United States food industry is a massive and complex sector that employs millions of workers across the country. The industry includes everything from farming and food production to retail and restaurants. With such a large and diverse workforce, it's no surprise that salaries in the food industry vary widely.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for all occupations in the food industry was $33,035 in 2021. However, this figure doesn't give an accurate representation of salaries within the industry because there is a wide range of occupations with vastly different pay scales. For example, farmworkers earned a median wage of just $29,680 per year while chefs and head cooks earned a much higher wage of $50,160 per year.
When looking at specific occupations, it's clear that there is a wide range of salaries. Here are some examples of common food-related jobs and their corresponding median annual wages (BLS data as for May, 2021):
- Farmworkers: $29,680
- Food service workers: $30,010
- Chefs and head cooks: $50,160
- Butchers and meat processors: $36,050
- Bakers: $29,750
- Food scientists and technologists: $74,160
- Dietitians and nutritionists: $65,620
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Chapter 5. Outlook for the food industry.
The industry employs more than 15 million people, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and generated nearly $1.8 trillion in revenue in 2021.
The food industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The USDA projects that food sales will reach $2 trillion by 2025, an increase of almost 3 percent per year. This growth will be driven by a number of factors, including population growth and aging, as well as changing consumer preferences.
The following are some key trends that are shaping the food industry:
1. Health and wellness.
Consumers are increasingly interested in healthy eating, and this is having an impact on what they buy. Sales of organic foods have been growing steadily for years, reaching $47 billion in 2016, up from just $3 billion in 1997, according to the Organic Trade Association. And sales of so-called “natural” foods are also on the rise; they reached $40 billion last year, up from $20 billion in 2010, according to Nielsen data.
2. Plant-based proteins.
Plant-based proteins are another trend that is gaining traction with consumers looking for healthier options. Sales of plant-based burgers have doubled over the past two years, reaching $184 million last year, according to Nielsen data. And sales of plant-based milk alternatives like soy milk and almond milk continue to grow as well; they reached $2 billion last year, up 9 percent from 2017, according to Mintel research.
3. Eating out.
More Americans are eating out than ever before; nearly 60 percent said they ate at a restaurant or got takeout at least once a week in 2021, up from 50 percent just four years earlier. This trend has been fueled by a number of factors, including busy lifestyles and a proliferation of delivery options.
Chapter 6. Tips how to get a job in the food industry.
The food industry in the United States is a large and competitive field. There are many different types of jobs available, from working in a restaurant to being a food scientist. Here are five tips to help you get a job in the the industry:
1) Get experience.
Many jobs in the food industry require experience, so it is important to get as much experience as possible. You can volunteer or intern at restaurants, catering companies, or other food-related businesses. This will not only give you valuable experience, but also help you network with people who may be able to help you get a job later on.
2) Network.
Getting to know people who work in the food industry can be very helpful when looking for a job. Attend industry events, such as trade shows or conferences, and make sure to exchange business cards with everyone you meet. You never know when one of your new contacts might have an open position that's perfect for you.
3) Get certified.
If you want to work in a specific area of the food industry, such as culinary arts or nutrition, consider getting certified by an accredited organization. This will show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the job.
4) Find a niche market.
The food industry is vast, so finding a niche market can help you stand out from other job seekers. For example, if you have experience working with organic foods or local ingredients, highlight this on your resume and during interviews since these qualities are becoming increasingly popular with consumers.
5) Stay up-to-date on trends .
Keeping up with current trends is essential for anyone working in the ever-changing world of food. Whether it's following new chefs on social media or reading articles about upcoming trends, staying informed will make you more attractive to potential employers and better prepared for success in your role.