With thousands of restaurants, food processing units, and beverage companies, the F&B industry is one of the largest employers in the U.S. It provides roles in culinary arts, food science, hospitality, logistics, and management.
Many roles in the F&B sector do not require advanced degrees, making it accessible for individuals looking to enter the workforce quickly. It's also a great starting point for gaining experience in customer service and operations.
The industry offers strong career growth, from entry-level to managerial roles. With experience and training, individuals can move into supervisory or corporate positions.
The U.S. F&B industry is known for its innovation, from plant-based foods to sustainable packaging. It also celebrates cultural diversity, offering opportunities to work with international cuisines and global brands.
Working in the F&B sector builds skills in communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving—skills that are valuable in many other industries.
Despite economic fluctuations, food and beverage remain essential sectors. While trends may shift, the demand for food-related services remains relatively steady.
From street food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, the U.S. celebrates cuisines from all over the world. International candidates bring fresh perspectives and authentic flavors that are in high demand, especially in multicultural cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
The U.S. F&B scene thrives on creativity—whether it’s fusion cuisine, sustainable packaging, plant-based alternatives, or tech-integrated dining experiences (like AI-driven ordering or robotic kitchens). International professionals with bold ideas are welcomed and encouraged to experiment.
America’s startup culture extends into food—think meal kit services, niche bakeries, craft beverages, or vegan pop-ups. For those with an entrepreneurial mindset, the U.S. offers incubators, food business accelerators, and even immigration pathways (like E-2 visas) for investors.
The industry isn't limited to chefs and servers. International candidates can explore roles in food science, quality assurance, supply chain, marketing, nutrition, and culinary arts education. There’s room for both creative and analytical minds.
Food has the power to unite communities. Many immigrant chefs and food entrepreneurs have turned their passion into powerful platforms to preserve culture, educate the public, and create inclusive food spaces.
Some F&B companies sponsor work visas for skilled workers, especially in food technology, culinary management, and hospitality leadership. While H-1B may be limited, alternative pathways like J-1 (internships/training), O-1 (extraordinary ability), or L-1 (intra-company transfer) are options to explore.
Chef / Executive Chef
Sous Chef
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Pastry Chef / Baker
Kitchen Manager
Dishwasher / Kitchen Assistant
These roles are at the heart of food preparation and innovation in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses.
Restaurant Manager
Host / Hostess
Waiter / Waitress
Bartender / Mixologist
Barista
Cashier
These positions focus on customer experience, hospitality, and food service operations.
Food Production Worker
Packaging Technician
Quality Control Specialist
Food Safety Inspector
Machine Operator
Warehouse Associate
Jobs in food processing plants, factories, and distribution centers for packaged goods, snacks, beverages, and frozen foods.
Food Scientist
Nutritionist / Dietitian
Product Development Specialist
Flavor Chemist
Regulatory Affairs Associate
These roles require scientific expertise and often support innovation and health in food production.
Procurement Specialist
Supply Chain Analyst
Logistics Coordinator
Food & Beverage Sales Representative
Brand Manager
Marketing Coordinator (F&B)
These are strategic and analytical jobs that manage how food products move from farm to fork.
Catering Manager
Banquet Server
Event Coordinator (F&B Focus)
Hotel Food & Beverage Director
Common in hotels, resorts, convention centers, and cruise lines.
Food Truck Operator
Craft Brewer / Distiller
Personal Chef
Culinary Instructor
Restaurant Owner / Franchisee
S.No |
Job Title |
Avg. Salary (USD/year) |
Approx. Salary (INR/year) |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Executive Chef |
$75,000 |
₹62,25,000 |
2 |
Sous Chef |
$55,000 |
₹45,65,000 |
3 |
Line Cook |
$38,000 |
₹31,54,000 |
4 |
Pastry Chef |
$50,000 |
₹41,50,000 |
5 |
Restaurant Manager |
$60,000 |
₹49,80,000 |
6 |
Bar Manager |
$55,000 |
₹45,65,000 |
7 |
Bartender |
$35,000 (plus tips) |
₹29,05,000 |
8 |
Waiter/Server |
$30,000 (plus tips) |
₹24,90,000 |
9 |
Food & Beverage Director |
$100,000 |
₹83,00,000 |
10 |
Catering Manager |
$58,000 |
₹48,14,000 |
11 |
Food Scientist |
$80,000 |
₹66,40,000 |
12 |
Quality Assurance Specialist |
$68,000 |
₹56,44,000 |
13 |
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
$65,000 |
₹53,95,000 |
14 |
Food Safety Inspector |
$62,000 |
₹51,46,000 |
15 |
Food Technologist |
$72,000 |
₹59,76,000 |
16 |
Procurement Specialist (F&B) |
$75,000 |
₹62,25,000 |
17 |
Supply Chain Analyst |
$78,000 |
₹64,74,000 |
18 |
Brand Manager (F&B) |
$90,000 |
₹74,70,000 |
19 |
Marketing Coordinator (F&B) |
$60,000 |
₹49,80,000 |
20 |
Food Truck Operator (Entrepreneur) |
$40,000–$100,000 |
₹33,20,000 – ₹83,00,000 |
International candidates must have a legal right to work in the U.S. This can be achieved through one of the following:
H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations): Suitable for skilled roles like food technologist, food scientist, or nutritionist. Requires a bachelor's degree or higher.
J-1 Visa (Internship/Training): For hospitality, culinary, and restaurant trainees or interns. Duration is usually 6–18 months.
O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability in culinary arts or food science.
TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican citizens in eligible F&B-related occupations (under NAFTA).
E-2 Visa: For entrepreneurs or investors starting food businesses.
Green Card (Employment-Based): For those sponsored by employers for permanent roles.
Educational requirements vary by role:
Entry-Level (e.g., cook, waiter): High school diploma or equivalent may suffice; on-the-job training is common.
Skilled Roles (e.g., chef, food technologist): Culinary school diploma, associate/bachelor’s degree in hospitality, food science, or a related field.
Scientific Roles (e.g., food scientist, QA analyst): Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in food technology, biology, or nutrition.
For most mid-to-senior roles, employers prefer candidates with 2–5 years of relevant experience.
For chef or kitchen leadership roles, portfolio and hands-on experience are often more valuable than formal education.
Good communication skills are essential, especially for customer-facing roles.
TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required for visa or academic programs.
Depending on the role and state, you may need certifications such as:
ServSafe Food Handler Certification
Alcohol Server Training (for bartenders, servers)
HACCP Certification (for quality/safety roles)
For most visas (e.g., H-1B, O-1), you must secure a job offer from a U.S. employer who agrees to sponsor your visa.
Sponsorship includes paperwork, filing fees, and sometimes legal assistance.
Some states require additional permits or licenses, especially for roles in alcohol service or food safety inspection.
S.No |
Job Title |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|---|
1 |
Executive Chef |
Oversees kitchen operations, menu planning, team management, cost control, and food quality. |
2 |
Sous Chef |
Assists executive chef, supervises line staff, ensures consistency in food preparation. |
3 |
Line Cook |
Prepares dishes according to recipes and specifications; maintains cleanliness in work station. |
4 |
Pastry Chef |
Designs and prepares baked goods and desserts; manages inventory of baking supplies. |
5 |
Restaurant Manager |
Manages restaurant staff, ensures customer satisfaction, controls costs, and handles logistics. |
6 |
Bar Manager |
Oversees bar operations, manages inventory, trains bartenders, ensures alcohol compliance. |
7 |
Bartender |
Prepares and serves drinks, engages with customers, maintains bar cleanliness and stock. |
8 |
Waiter / Server |
Takes customer orders, delivers food, provides service, and handles billing. |
9 |
Host / Hostess |
Greets and seats guests, manages reservations and waitlists, coordinates with wait staff. |
10 |
Catering Manager |
Plans and executes catering events, manages staff and logistics, ensures food quality. |
11 |
Food Scientist |
Develops and improves food products, conducts testing, ensures safety and compliance. |
12 |
Quality Assurance Specialist |
Monitors food production standards, conducts audits, ensures compliance with safety regulations. |
13 |
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
Provides dietary guidance, develops nutrition plans, educates clients or patients. |
14 |
Food Safety Inspector |
Inspects food facilities for health and safety compliance, enforces food safety regulations. |
15 |
Food Technologist |
Works on product formulation, preservation, and packaging; ensures shelf life and taste quality. |
16 |
Supply Chain Analyst (F&B) |
Analyzes logistics and inventory data, optimizes procurement and delivery processes. |
17 |
Procurement Specialist (F&B) |
Sources food and beverage products, manages vendor relationships, controls purchasing costs. |
18 |
Brand Manager (F&B) |
Develops marketing strategies, manages brand positioning, oversees promotional campaigns. |
19 |
Marketing Coordinator (F&B) |
Supports advertising efforts, coordinates events, manages social media and customer engagement. |
20 |
Food Truck Operator |
Prepares and sells food from a mobile unit, handles permits, inventory, and customer service. |
S.No |
Job Title |
Minimum Education Required |
Work Experience |
Certifications (if any) |
Visa Suitability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Executive Chef |
Culinary Degree / Diploma |
5–10 years |
ServSafe, HACCP (preferred) |
H-1B, O-1, J-1 |
2 |
Sous Chef |
Culinary Diploma / Experience |
3–5 years |
ServSafe |
J-1, H-1B |
3 |
Line Cook |
High School / Culinary Training |
0–2 years |
Food Handler Permit |
J-1, F-1 OPT |
4 |
Pastry Chef |
Baking/Culinary School Preferred |
2–4 years |
ServSafe |
H-1B, J-1, O-1 |
5 |
Restaurant Manager |
Bachelor’s in Hospitality (preferred) |
3–5 years |
Alcohol Server Permit (varies) |
H-1B, L-1 |
6 |
Bar Manager |
High School / Associate Degree |
2–4 years |
Alcohol Service Certification |
H-1B, J-1 |
7 |
Bartender |
High School Diploma |
1–2 years |
Alcohol Service Certification |
J-1, F-1 OPT |
8 |
Waiter / Server |
High School Diploma |
0–2 years |
Food Handler Card |
J-1, F-1 OPT |
9 |
Host / Hostess |
High School Diploma |
0–1 year |
None (optional: hospitality course) |
J-1, F-1 OPT |
10 |
Catering Manager |
Bachelor’s in Hospitality |
3–5 years |
ServSafe |
H-1B, L-1 |
11 |
Food Scientist |
Bachelor’s in Food Science |
2–4 years |
HACCP, SQF (preferred) |
H-1B, O-1 |
12 |
QA Specialist (Food) |
Bachelor’s in Food Tech / Biology |
1–3 years |
HACCP, GMP |
H-1B |
13 |
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
Bachelor’s in Nutrition + License |
2–4 years |
RD/LDN License |
H-1B, O-1 |
14 |
Food Safety Inspector |
Bachelor’s in Biology / Food Tech |
2–4 years |
HACCP, FDA Training |
H-1B, L-1 |
15 |
Food Technologist |
Bachelor’s in Food Tech / Chem |
2–3 years |
SQF, HACCP |
H-1B, O-1 |
16 |
Supply Chain Analyst (F&B) |
Bachelor’s in Supply Chain / Eng. |
1–3 years |
APICS (optional) |
H-1B, L-1 |
17 |
Procurement Specialist (F&B) |
Bachelor’s in Business / Supply |
2–4 years |
CPIM / CPP (optional) |
H-1B |
18 |
Brand Manager (F&B) |
Bachelor’s in Marketing / MBA |
3–5 years |
None |
H-1B |
19 |
Marketing Coordinator (F&B) |
Bachelor’s in Marketing / Comms |
1–3 years |
None |
H-1B, F-1 OPT |
20 |
Food Truck Operator |
High School Diploma (minimum) |
Varies (Entrepreneurial) |
Local Business License |
E-2 (Investor), L-1 |
S.No |
Job Title |
Experience Required |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Executive Chef |
5–10 years |
Prior leadership in high-volume kitchens is essential |
2 |
Sous Chef |
3–5 years |
Strong technical and team supervision experience needed |
3 |
Line Cook |
0–2 years |
Entry-level; often trained on the job |
4 |
Pastry Chef |
2–4 years |
Specialized experience in baking and pastry required |
5 |
Restaurant Manager |
3–5 years |
Management experience in food service operations is key |
6 |
Bar Manager |
2–4 years |
Experience managing inventory and staff preferred |
7 |
Bartender |
1–2 years |
Customer service and drink-mixing skills are required |
8 |
Waiter / Server |
0–2 years |
Often entry-level, training provided on site |
9 |
Host / Hostess |
0–1 year |
Entry-level role with on-the-job training |
10 |
Catering Manager |
3–5 years |
Experience in event planning and food service required |
11 |
Food Scientist |
2–4 years |
Research or lab experience in food development is preferred |
12 |
Quality Assurance Specialist |
1–3 years |
Background in quality control, especially in food industry |
13 |
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
2–4 years |
Clinical or consulting experience often required |
14 |
Food Safety Inspector |
2–4 years |
Experience in food compliance and health inspection necessary |
15 |
Food Technologist |
2–3 years |
Prior experience in food formulation and product development |
16 |
Supply Chain Analyst (F&B) |
1–3 years |
Background in logistics, supply chain, or procurement preferred |
17 |
Procurement Specialist (F&B) |
2–4 years |
Experience in vendor management and cost control essential |
18 |
Brand Manager (F&B) |
3–5 years |
Strategic marketing and brand oversight experience required |
19 |
Marketing Coordinator (F&B) |
1–3 years |
Digital and offline campaign experience preferred |
20 |
Food Truck Operator |
Varies |
Entrepreneurial role; experience in food handling and business |
S.No |
Company Name |
Key Areas of Hiring |
Visa Sponsorship |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Nestlé USA |
Food science, R&D, supply chain, QA |
Yes (H-1B, L-1) |
Global company with consistent visa sponsorship for skilled roles |
2 |
PepsiCo |
Manufacturing, logistics, sales, marketing |
Yes (H-1B, L-1) |
Recruits international professionals for both tech and operations |
3 |
Cargill |
Food production, safety, tech, logistics |
Yes (H-1B, L-1) |
Frequently hires in food processing and scientific fields |
4 |
Aramark |
Culinary, food service management |
Yes (J-1, H-1B) |
Offers J-1 internships and hires international managers |
5 |
Compass Group USA |
Food services, catering, hospitality |
Yes (J-1, H-1B) |
One of the largest hospitality employers in the U.S. |
6 |
Sodexo USA |
Catering, nutrition, operations management |
Yes (J-1, H-1B) |
Offers visa support and global transfer options |
7 |
Hilton Hotels & Resorts |
F&B, event catering, bar & restaurant ops |
Yes (J-1, H-1B) |
Welcomes international interns and skilled hospitality professionals |
8 |
Marriott International |
Culinary, restaurant, catering, food safety |
Yes (J-1, H-1B) |
Active J-1 program and occasional H-1B sponsorship |
9 |
Sysco Corporation |
Food distribution, procurement, logistics |
Yes (H-1B) |
Leading food distributor with skilled supply chain roles |
10 |
Tyson Foods Inc. |
Food processing, QA, food safety |
Yes (H-1B, L-1) |
Hires engineers, scientists, and operations professionals |
11 |
Mondelez International |
R&D, product development, food science |
Yes (H-1B, L-1) |
Global food giant with skilled positions for internationals |
12 |
Kraft Heinz Company |
Marketing, food tech, supply chain |
Yes (H-1B, L-1) |
Hires both corporate and operations roles for internationals |
13 |
Unilever USA |
Product innovation, sustainability, marketing |
Yes (H-1B, L-1) |
Global F&B leader with research and marketing opportunities |
14 |
Starbucks Corporation |
Store operations, supply chain, food safety |
Limited |
Management and corporate positions may offer visa options |
15 |
McDonald’s Corporation |
Management, culinary innovation, operations |
Yes (L-1, H-1B) |
Sponsors for select corporate and leadership roles |
16 |
Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell) |
Brand marketing, global ops, product design |
Yes (H-1B, L-1) |
Select hiring for corporate and product innovation roles |
17 |
Dean Foods |
Dairy production, QA, engineering |
Yes (H-1B) |
Skilled roles in food production and technology |
18 |
General Mills |
R&D, product development, engineering |
Yes (H-1B) |
Consistent employer of food science and nutrition professionals |
19 |
The Coca-Cola Company |
Supply chain, QA, marketing, data analysis |
Yes (H-1B, L-1) |
Offers global opportunities and internal transfers |
20 |
AB InBev (Anheuser-Busch) |
Brewing, engineering, logistics |
Yes (H-1B, O-1) |
Offers global mobility and technical roles |
S.No |
Job Title |
Avg. Salary (USD/year) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Executive Chef |
$75,000 |
Culinary degree, 5–10 yrs experience, ServSafe |
Marriott, Hilton, Compass Group |
Oversees kitchen, staff, food quality, and menu planning |
2 |
Sous Chef |
$55,000 |
Culinary training, 3–5 yrs experience |
Aramark, Hilton, Sodexo |
Assists executive chef, supervises cooks, ensures quality |
3 |
Line Cook |
$38,000 |
High school diploma, 0–2 yrs experience |
Darden, Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory |
Prepares meals as per recipe, maintains cleanliness |
4 |
Pastry Chef |
$50,000 |
Baking certification, 2–4 yrs experience |
Hyatt, Four Seasons, Boutique Bakeries |
Prepares desserts, baked goods, manages pastry inventory |
5 |
Restaurant Manager |
$60,000 |
Hospitality degree, 3–5 yrs experience |
McDonald’s, Chipotle, Yum! Brands |
Manages daily restaurant operations, staff, customer service |
6 |
Bar Manager |
$55,000 |
Experience, Alcohol server certification |
TGI Friday’s, Marriott, Local Bars |
Oversees bar service, inventory, compliance with alcohol laws |
7 |
Bartender |
$35,000 + tips |
Alcohol training, 1–2 yrs experience |
Hilton, Marriott, Cruise Lines |
Mixes and serves drinks, interacts with guests |
8 |
Waiter / Server |
$30,000 + tips |
None / Entry-level |
Applebee’s, Denny’s, IHOP |
Takes orders, delivers food, ensures guest satisfaction |
9 |
Host / Hostess |
$28,000 |
Entry-level, good communication |
Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden |
Greets guests, manages seating and reservations |
10 |
Catering Manager |
$58,000 |
Hospitality degree, 3–5 yrs experience |
Sodexo, Compass Group, Aramark |
Plans and coordinates food service for events |
11 |
Food Scientist |
$80,000 |
Bachelor’s in Food Science, lab experience |
Nestlé, General Mills, PepsiCo |
Develops and tests food products for safety and innovation |
12 |
QA Specialist (Food) |
$68,000 |
Food Tech/Biology degree, HACCP knowledge |
Tyson Foods, Cargill, Mondelez |
Monitors quality control in food production |
13 |
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
$65,000 |
Bachelor’s in Nutrition, RD/LDN license |
Hospitals, Sodexo, Schools |
Creates and manages diet plans, educates on nutrition |
14 |
Food Safety Inspector |
$62,000 |
Degree in Food Science or Biology, HACCP |
FDA, USDA, State Agencies |
Inspects facilities for food safety and regulatory compliance |
15 |
Food Technologist |
$72,000 |
Bachelor’s in Food Tech or Chemistry |
Nestlé, Mondelez, Kraft Heinz |
Works on food development, preservation, packaging |
16 |
Supply Chain Analyst |
$78,000 |
Degree in Logistics/Supply Chain |
Coca-Cola, Sysco, PepsiCo |
Analyzes and optimizes supply processes in food distribution |
17 |
Procurement Specialist |
$75,000 |
Business degree, experience in sourcing |
Unilever, Cargill, Sysco |
Sources food items, manages vendor relationships |
18 |
Brand Manager (F&B) |
$90,000 |
Marketing/MBA, 3–5 yrs experience |
Nestlé, General Mills, Coca-Cola |
Develops brand strategy, marketing campaigns |
19 |
Marketing Coordinator |
$60,000 |
Degree in Marketing/Communication |
PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, Starbucks |
Supports marketing operations, content creation |
20 |
Food Truck Operator |
$40,000–$100,000 |
Business license, food safety permit |
Self-employed / Franchise |
Prepares food, manages mobile unit, interacts with customers |
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Suitable For |
Duration |
Key Requirements |
Common Roles in F&B |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
H-1B |
Employment in a specialty occupation |
Highly skilled professionals with degrees |
Up to 6 years |
Employer sponsorship, bachelor's degree or equivalent |
Food Scientist, Nutritionist, QA Specialist, Brand Manager |
J-1 |
Exchange visitor/internship or trainee program |
Students, recent graduates, hospitality trainees |
6 to 18 months |
Sponsorship by J-1 sponsor organization |
Culinary Intern, Hospitality Trainee, Restaurant Management Intern |
O-1 |
For individuals with extraordinary ability |
Recognized experts in culinary arts, science, or management |
Initial 3 years, renewable |
Proven distinction in the field (awards, media, etc.) |
Celebrity Chef, Award-winning Culinary Expert, Renowned Food Technologist |
L-1 |
Intra-company transfer |
Multinational company employees |
Up to 7 years |
Must have worked at foreign branch for 1+ year |
Restaurant Manager, Executive Chef, Supply Chain Executive |
TN (Canada/Mexico) |
NAFTA work visa |
Canadian and Mexican citizens |
Up to 3 years, renewable |
Job offer in an approved occupation |
Nutritionist, Food Technologist, QA Analyst |
E-2 |
Investor visa |
Entrepreneurs and investors in food business |
Up to 5 years, renewable |
Substantial investment in U.S. business |
Food Truck Owner, Restaurant Franchisee |
F-1 OPT |
Optional Practical Training for students |
Recent international graduates from U.S. colleges |
Up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM) |
Must be in valid F-1 status, work must be related to major |
Marketing Coordinator, Culinary Assistant, Food Lab Intern |
H-2B |
Temporary non-agricultural workers |
Seasonal and unskilled workers |
Up to 1 year (can extend to 3) |
Employer must prove labor shortage |
Seasonal Server, Line Cook, Kitchen Helper |
B-1 |
Business visa for short-term visits |
Short-term business or training visits |
Up to 6 months |
No employment allowed; training only |
Conference Speaker, Guest Chef for Events |
Green Card (EB Visas) |
Permanent residency for skilled workers |
Long-term skilled professionals |
Permanent |
Labor certification and sponsorship |
Restaurant Manager, Food Technologist, QA Director |