Restaurant jobs in Canada are great because they offer good pay and benefits. They also provide opportunities for advancement and growth.
The restaurant or hotel industry is one of the most exciting industries to work in, especially if you love food! If you want to learn more about this career path, keep reading to discover all it offers. There is a lot of money to be made and lots of different types of restaurants to choose from.
What Do You Need To Know About Restaurants in Canada?
The restaurant industry is booming right now, which means there are plenty of job openings available. In fact, according to the BLS, employment within the sector is expected to grow by 20 percent between 2015 and 2024. This is much faster than average, so if you’re looking for a new career, then consider getting into the restaurant business.
If you have experience working with food or cooking, then you may already know what it takes to become an excellent chef. However, even if you don’t have any culinary training, you can still get started in the restaurant industry. Many chefs start out as dishwashers before moving up to other positions. As long as you’re willing to learn, you should be able to make your way up the ladder.
If you choose to move forward with this career path, you will need to complete some form of formal education. The BLS reports that nearly half of all cooks hold at least a high school diploma, while almost two-thirds have completed college. A diploma or bachelor’s degree is required for many management roles, such as general manager or executive chef.
There are several ways to earn money in the restaurant industry. Some people prefer to work part-time, while others take on full-time positions. Most employers expect their employees to work 40 hours per week, although some companies do allow workers to put in long shifts.
Responsibilities
As mentioned earlier, the responsibilities of a restaurant worker vary depending on the position. For example, waiters typically serve customers and clean tables, but they also prepare dishes for guests. Waitresses often perform similar duties, but they also handle cash registers. Dishwashers must ensure that the kitchen is spotless after each shift.
In addition to these tasks, restaurant workers may also need to stock shelves, organize supplies, and assist managers when needed. Depending on the size of the restaurant staff members may be responsible for managing large groups of patrons.
Salary Potential
The median annual salary for restaurant workers was $35,830 in May 2022. Workers who have worked for less than five years earned around $28,000 annually. Those who had been employed for 10 years or longer were paid roughly $40,000 per year.
However, the salary you receive depends largely on where you live. The BLS states that the highest paying state for restaurant workers in Toronto, where the median pay is $41,170.
Work Environment
Working in a restaurant requires a lot of physical activity. Restaurant workers spend most of their time standing, walking, lifting heavy objects, and performing repetitive motions. Because of this, many people develop back pain over time.
The BLS reports that restaurants are generally safe places to work. However, there are certain risks associated with the job. For instance, workers may face injury from slips and falls, burns, cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Injuries can occur because of slippery floors, hot equipment, sharp knives, and hazardous chemicals.
The BLS notes that restaurant jobs tend to offer flexible schedules, which makes them ideal for parents looking to balance work and family life. However, some establishments require workers to arrive early, stay late, or work through breaks. This means that restaurant employees should plan accordingly.
Education Requirements
While it is possible to become a restaurant worker without any training, completing an associate’s degree provides additional benefits. According to the BLS, students who obtain an AA degree earn more than those who don’t. Students who complete bachelor’s degrees earn even more.
Students interested in working as restaurant workers should consider taking courses related to food preparation, customer service, and sales. Many schools offer classes in areas such as culinary arts, hospitality management, and business administration.
Training Programs
Many restaurants and hotels provide formal training programs for new hires. These programs teach restaurant workers how to operate various machines and types of equipment used in the industry. Some companies also offer apprenticeship programs, which allow workers to gain experience while earning wages.
Other Skills Needed
In addition to having strong communication skills, restaurant workers must possess organizational abilities. They must be able to handle multiple tasks at once, manage large groups of customers, and keep track of inventory.
In order to succeed in the restaurant industry, individuals need to be detail-oriented. They must remember what they learned about each item on the menu, and they can communicate effectively with both customers and co-workers.
