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Cafeteria Assistant information

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How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in Arizona is $15.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria assistant?

Cafeteria assistants are staff members who help with the daily operations of a cafeteria, typically in schools, hospitals, or corporate settings. Their duties often include preparing and serving food, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, stocking supplies, and assisting customers or students during meal times. They may also handle cash registers and ensure that health and safety standards are met. Cafeteria assistants play a key role in providing nutritious meals and a welcoming environment for diners.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Assistant vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCafeteria AssistantKitchen Assistant
Primary RoleAssists in food service, manages cafeteria areas, helps serve mealsSupports food prep, cleaning, and basic kitchen tasks
Work EnvironmentSchool or institutional cafeterias, dining areasCommercial or institutional kitchens
Required CertificationsFood safety, hygiene training often preferredFood safety, hygiene training often required
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, hospitals, workplacesRestaurants, schools, catering services

While both roles involve food service and require food safety knowledge, Cafeteria Assistants primarily focus on serving and managing dining areas, whereas Kitchen Assistants support food preparation and kitchen operations. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and adherence to hygiene regulations are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help you stand out in this environment. These skills ensure efficient service, maintain food safety standards, and contribute to a positive dining experience for customers.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafeteria Assistants often face challenges such as working in fast-paced environments during peak meal times, maintaining cleanliness standards, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and teamwork are key to overcoming these challenges. Staying organized and following food safety protocols also help ensure a smooth workflow and a positive dining experience for customers and staff.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:
Cafeteria Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,223 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Cafeteria Assistant

Yuma Elementary School District ONE

Yuma, AZ • On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Child Nutrition/Cafeteria Assistant
Date Posted:
7/30/2026
Location:
Mary A. Otondo Elementary
Date Available:
03/03/2025
Position Status: Tier 2
Non-Benefited Health Insured
6.5 Daily Hours
Salary Range A
$15.15
Required
High School Diploma or equivalent
Food Handlers Health Card
Proof MMR and Hepatitis B Health Record
IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose Statement
The job of Cafeteria Assistant is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the educational process at an assigned cafeteria location with specific responsibilities for preparing and serving food items to students and/or school personnel; and maintaining food service facilities in a safe and sanitary condition.
This job reports to Cafeteria Manager/Director - Child NutritionEssential Functions
  • Attends unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
  • Cleans utensils, equipment, and storage, food preparation and serving areas for the purpose of maintaining required sanitary conditions.
  • Collects payments for food items from students and staff for the purpose of completing transactions and/or securing funds for food selection.
  • Complete understanding of serving food for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional requirements and/or requests of students and school personnel.
  • Inspects food items and/or supplies for the purpose of verifying quantity, quality and specifications of orders and/or complying with mandated health standards.
  • Inventories food, condiments and supplies for the purpose of ensuring availability of items required for meeting projected menu requirements.
  • Maintains equipment and report equipment malfunctions to supervisor for the purpose of complying with current health standards.
  • Monitors kitchen and cafeteria areas for the purpose of ensuring a safe and sanitary working environment.
  • Orders food/non food items for the purpose of maintaining an adequate inventory to maintain operations within established nutritional and budget guidelines.
  • Performs functions of other nutritional services positions, as requested by supervisor for the purpose of ensuring adequate staff coverage within site nutritional services operations.
  • Prepares food and beverage items for all services for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional and projected meal requirements.
  • Reports equipment malfunctions for the purpose of notifying supervisor of need for repair and/or replacement.
  • Stocks food, condiments and supplies for the purpose of maintaining adequate quantities and security of items.

Other Functions
  • Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks using existing skills. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; and operating equipment found in a commercial kitchen.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: safety practices and procedures; quantify food preparation and handling; and sanitation practices.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals; work with specific, job-related data; and utilize job-related equipment. Some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: the ability to follow a recipe; working as part of a team; and working with interruptions.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 0% sitting, 50% walking, and 50% standing. The job is performed under temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Experience Job related experience is desired.
Continuing Educ./Training
Clearances
Safe School Courses
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
FLSA Status Approval Date
Non Exempt Salary Range A 15.15

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