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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

VVS INC

Cafeteria Assistant Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Job Duties: * Oversee 10 - 15 employees on a daily basis including: hiring, training, discipline, and terminations. * Prepare weekly menus and recipes to be served to our customers. * Follow all Food ...

New

Ottumwa Office

Speech-Language Assistant

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$16.89 - $17.39/hr

Speech-Language Assistant Great Prairie Area Education Agency has an opening for a Speech-Language ... a monthly cafeteria plan allotment of $861 (181 days) and IPERS retirement. This position will ...

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Food Service Worker

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Assembles patient trays, serves on cafeteria assembly line, or special functions. * Delivers supplies to Department kitchens. * Assist in dish room (washing dishes, pots, pans, and cleaning area and ...

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Food Service Worker

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Assembles patient trays, serves on cafeteria assembly line, or special functions. * Delivers supplies to Department kitchens. * Assist in dish room (washing dishes, pots, pans, and cleaning area and ...

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Food Service Worker

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Assembles patient trays, serves on cafeteria assembly line, or special functions. * Delivers supplies to Department kitchens. * Assist in dish room (washing dishes, pots, pans, and cleaning area and ...

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Food Service Worker

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Assembles patient trays, serves on cafeteria assembly line, or special functions. * Delivers supplies to Department kitchens. * Assist in dish room (washing dishes, pots, pans, and cleaning area and ...

Great Prairie AEA

Speech-Language Assistant

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$16.89 - $17.39/hr

... a monthly cafeteria plan allotment of $861 (181 days) and IPERS retirement. This position will ... The Speech-Language Assistant provides articulation, language, voice and fluency services to ...

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Food Service Worker

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Assembles patient trays, serves on cafeteria assembly line, or special functions. * Delivers supplies to Department kitchens. * Assist in dish room (washing dishes, pots, pans, and cleaning area and ...

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All JobsCafeteria JobsCafeteria Assistant JobsCafeteria Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Cafeteria Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$15

$22

How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in Iowa is $15.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.92 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:
Cafeteria Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Iowa 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 $32,479 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Cafeteria Assistant Manager

Northeast Iowa Community College

Peosta, IA • On-site

$16.15/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Cafeteria Assistant Manager
Posting Number
S00506
Full-Time/Part-Time
Part Time
Work Schedule
28 hours per week.
Salary
$16.15/hour - Pay Grade: 4
Campus/Center
Peosta
Location
Peosta, Iowa
Position Summary Information
Job Goal
To assist cafeteria manager in all areas of planning, purchasing, and preparing food for students, staff, and guests. Leads cafeteria operations in the absence of the manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
Demonstrate the values of the college through prompt and courteous service.
Prepare menu items as directed.
Establish portion controls in relation to food pricing.
Plan for usage of foods and supplies as needed to minimize food waste.
Supervise the food services cash register activities and train on the cash register processes.
Provide an accounting of daily sales and process receipts to the Business Office in the absence of the manager.
Process and supervise debit/credit card transactions as required
Supervise and assist with serving during scheduled meals.
Assist in training and overseeing of cafeteria staff.
Maintain the food service area in accordance with state regulations (dishes, pans, etc.).
Supervise and assist in utensil and equipment washing in compliance with state regulations.
Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and food preparation areas in accordance with state regulations.
Assist with catering services for internal college events as directed.
Work collaboratively with other departments for college events.
Attend college meetings and serve on committees as requested.
Promote cafeteria services to college employees and students.
Report needed repairs of kitchen equipment to Cafeteria Manager.
Training and mentoring college work study employees as needed.
Must be able to demonstrate effective practices of maintaining privacy and security of vendor, employee, and student information.
Assist in any other food service functions as deemed necessary.
Qualifications
High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum of two years as a restaurant or institutional cook and/or food preparation experience.
Essential Functions
Work collaboratively with other departments for college events.
Attend college meetings and serve on committees as requested.
Promote cafeteria services to college employees and students.
Report needed repairs of kitchen equipment to Cafeteria Manager.
Training and mentoring college work study employees as needed.
Must be able to demonstrate effective practices of maintaining privacy and security of vendor, employee, and student information.
Assist in any other food service functions as deemed necessary.
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
08/28/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants

Apply