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How to Become a Concession Worker
How to Become a Concession Worker
If you're looking for a job that lets you stay active, work with people, and earn money without years of experience, becoming a concession worker could be a great fit. Concession workers help keep stadiums, concert venues, movie theaters, airports, and other entertainment destinations running by serving food and beverages to customers.
Concession work offers valuable experience and opportunities to build your work history. Many employers provide on-the-job training, making these roles accessible for people who are eager to learn and ready to work.
If you're interested in food service jobs, event staff jobs, or other entry-level jobs, here's what you should know about becoming a concession worker.
What is a Concession Worker?
A concession worker prepares and serves food and beverages anywhere large groups for entertainment, travel, or special events. They help create a positive experience by serving customers quickly while keeping concession stands clean, organized, and fully stocked.
You can find concession workers in a variety of locations, including:
- Stadiums
- Sports areas
- Concert venues
- Airports
- Movie theaters
- Amusement parks
- Fairgrounds
- Convention centers
What Does a Concession Worker Do?
Concession workers perform a variety of tasks throughout their shift to keep food service operations running smoothly.
Common responsibilities include:
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Taking customer orders
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Preparing simple food and beverages
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Operating a cash register of point-of-sales (POS) system
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Stocking food, drinks, and supplies
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Keeping work areas clean and organized
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Following food safety and sanitation guidelines
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Setting up concession stands before events
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Working with teammates during busy rushes
Many concession workers serve hundreds of customers during a single event, so teamwork and communication are essential. While some shifts are fast-paced from start to finish, others may have slower periods that allow you to restock supplies and prepare for the next wave of customers.
How Much Does a Concession Worker Make?
Pay for concession workers varies depending on the employer, location, and type of venue. Large stadiums, airports, and entertainment venues may offer higher wages than smaller locations. The average wage, according to the BLS, is $15 per hour.
Busy seasons often provide additional hours, especially during sporting events, concerts, fairs, festivals, and holiday attractions. If you're looking for a flexible way to earn extra income, concession work can offer plenty of opportunities throughout the year.
What Is It Like Working as a Concession Worker?
Most shifts involve standing for extended periods while preparing food, serving guests, stocking supplies, and cleaning work areas. Depending on where you work, you may be indoors in climate-controlled facilities or outdoors during sporting events and festivals.
You can expect:
- A fast-paced work environment
- Plenty of interaction with customers
- A team-oriented atmosphere
- Indoor and outdoor work locations
- Evening, weekend, holiday, and special event shifts
Since many entertainment venues are busiest outside of traditional business hours, concession jobs often work well for people looking for flexible schedules.
Concession Worker Requirements
Many employers hiring concession workers are looking for reliable people with a positive attitude rather than years of experience.
Typical requirements include:
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma preferred
- Ability to stand for long periods
- Friendly, customer-focused attitude
- Dependability
- Basic communication skills
- Ability to work well with a team
- Flexible availability for evenings, weekends, and events
- Ability to lift and carry supplies throughout the shift
Why Use a Staffing Agency to Find Concession Worker Jobs?
Finding food service jobs near you can be easier when you work with a staffing agency. Instead of applying to individual employers one at a time, a staffing agency can connect you with opportunities at multiple venues and events. Working with a staffing agency can help you find work faster, build a reliable work history, and receive support throughout the hiring process.
Concession Worker Job Description
A concession worker prepares and serves concession items to guests. This role involves preparing and serving a variety of tasty snacks and beverages, managing sales transactions efficiently, and maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
- Conduct the cash register sales by taking orders, building orders, and completing the transction
- Ability to build orders, prepare food, and knowledge in all areas of concessions operations
- Responsible for maintaining stock and supply levels and communicating to the Concessions Stand Manger of low stock items
- Listening and responding to customer requests or concerns
- Responsible for maintaining a clean and organized workspace including but not limited to disposal of garbage & cleaning dishes
- Serve beverages to guests including alcoholic beverages responsibly. Must check guest’s ID in accordance with state/federal regulations to verify minimum age requirement for purchase of alcoholic beverages
- Maintains sanitation, health and safety standards in work areas
Start Your Food Service Career
Concession work is a great way to earn money, build valuable customer service skills, and gain experience in the food service industry. Whether you're looking for flexible work around your schedule or hoping to find steady employment, concession jobs offer a chance to develop skills that can transfer to many other careers.
