Alaska's Eating And Drinking Workforce Large And Dynamic

Jul. 2, 2002
No. 02-36

Industry's Share of Alaska's Employment Pie Expands Over 20 Years

In 2001, the eating and drinking industry employed 49,600 individual workers with an average age of 29.2 years old, the youngest major industry workforce in the state, according to July's issue of Alaska Economic Trends.

Predictions are for the eating and drinking places industry to grow faster than the overall economy, based on a positive long-term outlook for Alaska's visitor industry in general. With 1,811 eating and drinking places in the state in 2000, sales were projected to reach $982 million in 2001, according to the National Restaurant Association.

While wages tend to be low, the eating and drinking industry is attractive to workers looking for a flexible schedule, income during slack times such as for students, or to supplement an existing job. According to Department of Labor and Workforce Development findings, the highest paid restaurant workers are in the North Slope where they support the oil industry workforce, with overtime playing a big role in earnings.

Alaska's largest employers in this industry are NANA/Marriott, Doyon/Universal Ogden, Aramark Leisure Services, and Skychefs, along with several chain restaurants.

Also in this month's Trends is a report on the industry classification system changes and Alaska's growing employment scene.

Alaska Economic Trends is available online.

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