Job opportunities should be best for chefs and head cooks with several years of work experience in a kitchen. Job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. The fast pace, time demands, and high energy levels required for these jobs often lead to a high rate of turnover.There will be strong competition for jobs at upscale restaurants, hotels, and casinos, where the pay is typically highest.
| Job Title | 2016 median Pay | Education | Number of Jobs | Job Outlook | What they do |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products | $64,850 | Bachelor's degree | 520,400 | Overall employment of purchasing managers and buyers and purchasing agents is projected to decline 3 percent from 2016 to 2026. The outsourcing and automation of less complex procurement functions are among contributing factors causing employment declines for these occupations. | Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents. |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $62,920 | Bachelor's degree | 43,000 | Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow as research into agricultural production methods and techniques continues. | Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. |
| Funeral Service Managers | $54,830 | Associate's degree | 54,400 | Overall employment of funeral service workers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Those who are licensed as funeral directors and embalmers and who are willing to relocate should have the best job opportunities. | Funeral service workers organize and manage the details of a funeral. |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors | $54,830 | Associate's degree | 54,400 | Overall employment of funeral service workers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Those who are licensed as funeral directors and embalmers and who are willing to relocate should have the best job opportunities. | Funeral service workers organize and manage the details of a funeral. |
| Food Service Managers | $50,820 | High school diploma or equivalent | 308,700 | Employment of food service managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Those with several years of work experience in food service and a degree in hospitality, restaurant, or food service management will have the best job opportunities. | Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. They direct staff to ensure that customers are satisfied with their dining experience, and they manage the business to ensure that it is profitable. |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $43,180 | High school diploma or equivalent | 146,500 | Employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Most job opportunities for chefs and head cooks are expected to be in food services, including restaurants. Job opportunities will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. | Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served. They direct kitchen staff and handle any food-related concerns. |
| Skincare Specialists | $30,270 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 61,300 | Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The desire among many women and a growing number of men to reduce the effects of aging will result in employment growth. Good job opportunities are expected. | Skincare specialists cleanse and beautify the face and body to enhance a person’s appearance. |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $29,870 | No formal educational credential | 135,700 | Employment of butchers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Many job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year. | Butchers cut, trim, and package meat for retail sale. |
| Bakers | $25,090 | No formal educational credential | 191,000 | Employment of bakers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Bakers with years of experience should have the best job opportunities, with employment driven by the growing demand for specialty baked products. | Bakers mix ingredients according to recipes in order to make breads, pastries, and other baked goods. |
| Barbers | $24,300 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 673,700 | Employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Population growth will lead to greater demand for hair care services. | Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide haircutting, hairstyling, and a range of other beauty services. |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $24,300 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 673,700 | Employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Population growth will lead to greater demand for hair care services. | Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide haircutting, hairstyling, and a range of other beauty services. |
| Cooks, All Other | $22,850 | 2,403,000 | Overall employment of cooks is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities will result from the combination of employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. | Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods, which may include soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. | |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $22,850 | 2,403,000 | Overall employment of cooks is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities will result from the combination of employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. | Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods, which may include soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. | |
| Cooks, Private Household | $22,850 | 2,403,000 | Overall employment of cooks is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities will result from the combination of employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. | Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods, which may include soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. | |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $22,850 | 2,403,000 | Overall employment of cooks is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities will result from the combination of employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. | Cooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods, which may include soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. | |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $22,150 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 126,300 | Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. New types of nail services, such as mini-sessions and mobile manicures and pedicures, may drive employment growth. High turnover and a growing number of nail salons will result in very good job opportunities. | Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails. |
| Bartenders | $20,800 | No formal educational credential | 611,200 | Employment of bartenders is projected to grow 2 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations. Overall job prospects are expected to be very good because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. | Bartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff. |
