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Cafeteria Aide Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Cafeteria Aide information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$9

$15

$17

How much do cafeteria aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria aide in Decatur, AL is $15.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $15.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria aide?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Aide, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and the ability to follow safety guidelines, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food service equipment, point-of-sale systems, and sometimes a food handler certification are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and time management skills help you interact positively with students, staff, and coworkers. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming cafeteria environment for all patrons.

What is a cafeteria aide?

Cafeteria aides are staff members who assist in the daily operations of a school or institutional cafeteria. Their duties typically include preparing and serving food, cleaning tables and kitchen areas, restocking supplies, and helping to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. They may also monitor student behavior in the cafeteria and assist with setup and cleanup before and after meal times. Cafeteria aides play a vital role in ensuring that meal service runs smoothly and efficiently.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Aide vs School Lunch Worker?

AspectCafeteria AideSchool Lunch Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, assisting with meal serviceSchool cafeterias, preparing and serving meals
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsSchools, educational institutions
Job DutiesAssisting with meal distribution, cleaning, and student supportPreparing, serving, and cleaning up after meals

Both Cafeteria Aides and School Lunch Workers typically require similar credentials and work in school cafeterias. The main difference lies in job duties: Cafeteria Aides often focus on assisting students and maintaining a clean environment, while School Lunch Workers may be more involved in meal preparation and serving. Both roles support school food service operations and are essential for a smooth dining experience for students.

What are some common challenges a cafeteria aide might face, and how can they be addressed?

Cafeteria Aides often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of students during busy meal times, maintaining cleanliness under tight schedules, and ensuring food is served safely and efficiently. These challenges can be addressed by staying organized, working closely with team members, and following established food safety protocols. Strong communication skills and a positive attitude also help create a supportive environment, making it easier to handle high-traffic periods and foster teamwork.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Aide jobs in Decatur, AL? For Cafeteria Aide jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Cafeteria Aide jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Cafeteria Aide job openings:

Cafeteria Aide

Automation Personnel Services

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$14/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

FULL/ PART TIME HOSPITALITY ASSISTANT
Automation Personnel Services is seeking a customer-focused and dependable Hospitality Assistant for a company based in Huntsville, AL. In this role, you will have the opportunity to build valuable hospitality and customer service skills while working in a welcoming, team-oriented environment that offers hands-on experience, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.

Pay Rate
Part time $14.00 with $2.50 shift differential
Full time $14.00

Schedule and Hours
Full time assistants must be available to work shifts starting as early as 5:30AM.
Part time assistants must be available to work 3:00PM- 7:30PM
Both Full/ Part time Assistants must be available to work any day of the week including weekend and holidays.

Hospitality Assistant Duties and Responsibilities
  • Delivers meals to patients within ten minutes of food cart arriving to floor and identifies each patient using two patient identifiers.
  • Identifies each patient by asking name and date of birth before serving food.
  • Greets each patient according to customer service standards and offers individualized assistance with meal tray, receiving no complaints from patients or staff.
  • Appropriately handles all off-schedule trays, discharged patient trays, guest trays, courtesy trays and isolation trays while following universal precautions.
  • Retrieves trays for designated patients within 2 hours after serving tray.
  • Delivers nourishments to patients in timely manner.
  • Delivers floor stock items to each department in a timely manner.
  • Ensure cleaning assignments are completed daily and signed off on.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Hospitality Assistant Qualifications and Requirements
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills required.
  • Must be knowledgeable of and able to follow the standards of federal, state and regulatory agencies and JCAHO for sanitation, food preparation and handling
  • Must be able to properly identify patients and maintain confidentiality.
  • Must be able to move in a fast place environment.
  • Must be able to walk long distances frequently throughout the shift while maintaining productivity and adhering to safety standards.
  • Must possess strong attention to detail to accurately prepare and deliver meal trays in accordance with each patient's prescribed dietary requirements and restrictions.
Job Type
Temporary to permanent

Benefits
  • Weekly Pay
  • Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance
  • 40 Hours Service Bonus after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours
  • 6 paid Holidays after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours

401(k) Retirement Plan
Automation Personnel Services is the only staffing agency specializing in manufacturing and industrial roles that offers 401(k) matching to all eligible contingent and temporary associates.

Click Apply Now to submit your application or call us at 256.533.5627 to learn more. You can also apply in person at our office located at

Automation Personnel Services Huntsville Branch
7696 Highway 72 W Suite 340
Madison, AL 35758

Bonus Opportunity!
We are also offering a $50.00 referral bonus. Both employee and referral must stay on assignment for 30 days to receive the payout.

About Automation Personnel Services
Automation Personnel Services is a highly recognized staffing agency with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Our accolades include:
  • 11-time consecutive winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award (2016-2026).
  • Winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award (2019-2026).
  • Recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.
  • Named one of the Best Staffing Companies to Work For by CIO Views Magazine.
  • Named one of America’s Best Temp Staffing Firms by Forbes (2025).
  • Consistently ranked among the top U.S. staffing agencies by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

Get that New Job Feeling! Apply Today!

Equal Opportunity Employer
APSHuntsville

Automation Personnel Services logo

About Automation Personnel Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Automation Personnel Services is an award-winning staffing agency with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Automation Personnel Services is the winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award in 2019-2022, and the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award for seven straight years, 2016-2022. Automation Personnel Services is also the recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1990

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