What skills are hospitality employers looking for in 2026?

Based on Back of House jobs posted on CulinaryAgents.com during the second quarter of 2026 (April, May, June), these are the most in-demand skills employers are seeking for common Back of House (FOH) hospitality roles.

Pro-tip for job seekers: Compare your experience with the skills employers are requesting most. Use this list to identify BOH roles that match your current skills as well as the skills you may want to develop to qualify for your next hospitality job or move into a more advanced role.

Top 25 Most Sought After Skills for BOH Positions

  1. Teamwork
  2. Adaptability
  3. Time Management
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Communication
  6. Attention to Detail
  7. Work Well Under Pressure
  8. Organizational Skills
  9. Food Prep
  10. Dedication
  11. Multitasking
  12. Leadership
  13. Following Instructions
  14. Food Safety Knowledge
  15. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  16. Creativity
  17. Learning
  18. People Skills
  19. Plating and Presentation
  20. Cleaning / Sanitation
  21. Quality Control
  22. Culinary Skills
  23. Positive Attitude
  24. Stress Management
  25. Inventory Management

Dishwasher

  1. Teamwork
  2. Adaptability
  3. Problem Solving
  4. Attention to Detail
  5. Time Management
  6. Organizational Skills
  7. Work Well Under Pressure
  8. Communication
  9. Proactive
  10. Health Regulations Knowledge

Prep Cook

  1. Teamwork
  2. Adaptability
  3. Problem Solving
  4. Time Management
  5. Attention to Detail
  6. Work Well Under Pressure
  7. Organizational Skills
  8. Communication
  9. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  10. Food Prep

Line Cook

  1. Teamwork
  2. Adaptability
  3. Time Management
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Communication
  6. Attention to Detail
  7. Food Prep
  8. Work Well Under Pressure
  9. Organizational Skills
  10. Dedication

Lead Line Cook

  1. Teamwork
  2. Adaptability
  3. Time Management
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Communication
  6. Attention to Detail
  7. Food Prep
  8. Work Well Under Pressure
  9. Organizational Skills
  10. Dedication

Expeditor

  1. Adaptability
  2. Teamwork
  3. Time Management
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Attention to Detail
  6. Work Well Under Pressure
  7. Organizational Skills
  8. Communication
  9. Multitasking
  10. People Skills

Sous Chef

  1. Communication
  2. Time Management
  3. Problem Solving
  4. Leadership
  5. Teamwork
  6. Adaptability
  7. Attention to Detail
  8. Mentorship
  9. Organizational Skills
  10. Team Management

Executive Chef

  1. Communication
  2. Problem Solving
  3. Time Management
  4. Attention to Detail
  5. Adaptability
  6. Leadership
  7. Teamwork
  8. Mentorship
  9. Menu Development
  10. Creativity

Baker

  1. Teamwork
  2. Baking Knowledge
  3. Time Management
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Communication
  6. Adaptability
  7. Attention to Detail
  8. Work Well Under Pressure
  9. Organizational Skills
  10. Dedication

Pastry Cook

  1. Teamwork
  2. Time Management
  3. Problem Solving
  4. Adaptability
  5. Attention to Detail
  6. Communication
  7. Dedication
  8. Work Well Under Pressure
  9. Pastry Making
  10. Learning

Executive Pastry Chef

  1. Adaptability
  2. Time Management
  3. Teamwork
  4. Communication
  5. Attention to Detail
  6. Problem Solving
  7. Creativity
  8. Leadership
  9. Work Well Under Pressure
  10. Organizational Skills

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