High-paying food industry jobs in Reading
The food industry encompasses all businesses involved in producing, processing, distributing, and selling food products. This sector ensures that delicious meals and snacks reach consumers, providing essential nutrition and pleasure. Workers in this industry often possess skills in culinary arts, supply chain management, and food safety.
The 1,423 food industry jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between £25,420 and £38,137 per year. Chef, Line Cook and Sous Chef are among the most popular high-paying roles in Reading.
Job title
Updated Oct 17, 2026
Job title
Reading, ENG
England
Job postings (Reading)
Head Chef
Reading
£38,137
per year
England
£39,726
per year
Chef
Reading
£16.05
per hour
England
£14.77
per hour
Sous Chef
Reading
£32,449
per year
England
£34,403
per year
Barista
Reading
£13.29
per hour
England
£13.59
per hour
Server
Reading
£13.21
per hour
England
£14.19
per hour
Kitchen Assistant
Reading
£13.19
per hour
England
£13.09
per hour
Bar Staff
Reading
£13.10
per hour
England
£13.17
per hour
Kitchen Porter
Reading
£13.09
per hour
England
£13.26
per hour
Catering Assistant
Reading
£13.03
per hour
England
£13.15
per hour
Line Cook
Reading
£26,353
per year
England
£34,603
per year
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
-
Head Chef
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Head Chefs lead kitchen teams, design menus, and ensure food quality meets standards. They need culinary expertise, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and strong organisational skills to manage busy service times efficiently.
See 76 jobAverage wage
Reading
£38,137 per yearEngland
£39,726 per year -
Chef
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Chefs design menus, prepare diverse dishes, and manage kitchen operations efficiently. They need expertise in culinary techniques, knowledge of food safety standards, and strong time management to deliver high-quality dining experiences.
See 279 jobAverage wage
Reading
£16.05 per hourEngland
£14.77 per hour -
Sous Chef
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Sous Chefs supervise kitchen operations, coordinate food preparation, and assist in menu planning to ensure quality and efficiency. They need expertise in culinary techniques, knowledge of food safety standards, and strong organisational skills to manage busy environments effectively.
See 176 jobAverage wage
Reading
£32,449 per yearEngland
£34,403 per year -
Barista
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Baristas prepare and serve coffee drinks, operate brewing equipment, and engage customers with friendly service. They need expertise in espresso techniques, knowledge of coffee varieties, and strong multitasking skills to manage busy environments efficiently.
See 114 jobAverage wage
Reading
£13.29 per hourEngland
£13.59 per hour -
Server
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Servers provide attentive table service, manage customer orders efficiently, and maintain a welcoming dining atmosphere. They need strong communication skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and an ability to multitask in fast-paced environments.
See 165 jobAverage wage
Reading
£13.21 per hourEngland
£14.19 per hour -
Kitchen Assistant
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Kitchen Assistants support chefs by preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and handling basic food storage. They need familiarity with food safety standards, efficiency in multitasking, and stamina for fast-paced environments.
See 116 jobAverage wage
Reading
£13.19 per hourEngland
£13.09 per hour -
Bar Staff
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Bar Staff serve drinks, maintain a clean bar area, and offer friendly customer service. They need expertise in drink preparation, knowledge of safety standards, and effective communication skills to handle busy, fast-paced environments.
See 58 jobAverage wage
Reading
£13.10 per hourEngland
£13.17 per hour -
Kitchen Porter
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Kitchen Porters support busy kitchens by cleaning equipment, organising supplies, and assisting with basic food prep. They need stamina, familiarity with hygiene standards, and efficiency in fast-paced environments to maintain smooth operations.
See 90 jobAverage wage
Reading
£13.09 per hourEngland
£13.26 per hour -
Catering Assistant
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Catering Assistants prepare food stations, serve guests, and maintain cleanliness during events. They need skills in food hygiene, time management, and customer communication to support smooth operations in fast-paced catering settings.
See 117 jobAverage wage
Reading
£13.03 per hourEngland
£13.15 per hour -
Line Cook
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Line Cooks prepare ingredients, cook dishes to menu standards, and maintain kitchen stations for smooth service. They need expertise in food safety, proficiency with cooking equipment, and the ability to work quickly under pressure while coordinating with colleagues.
See 232 jobAverage wage
Reading
£26,353 per yearEngland
£34,603 per year