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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Experience working in a school kitchen or cafeteria preferred. * ServSafe certified preferred. Job Responsibilities: * Food Preparation:: Assist with light food preparation. Follow recipes and ...

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Experience working in a school kitchen or cafeteria preferred. * ServSafe certified preferred. Job Responsibilities: * Food Preparation:: Assist with light food preparation. Follow recipes and ...

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Experience working in a school kitchen or cafeteria preferred. * ServSafe certified preferred. Job Responsibilities: * Food Preparation:: Assist with light food preparation. Follow recipes and ...

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Experience working in a school kitchen or cafeteria preferred. * ServSafe certified preferred. Job Responsibilities: * Food Preparation:: Assist with light food preparation. Follow recipes and ...

Lansing School District

Lunch Assistant

Lansing, MI · On-site

$15 - $17.96/hr

Cafeteria only assistants (which would be indicated in the title) will not support recess and will just support the cafeteria. Preferred Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent * Ability ...

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Cafeteria Assistant information

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How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in Michigan is $14.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.72 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 Michigan? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:
Cafeteria Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Michigan 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 $30,139 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Secondary Cafeteria Assistant

Plymouth Canton Community Schools

Plymouth, MI • On-site

$16.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food and Nutrition Services/Cafeteria Assistant
Date Posted:
4/7/2026
Location:
WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
Closing Date:
Until Filled
POSITION: Secondary Cafeteria Assistant
LOCATION: West Middle School
JOB SUMMARY:
Assists in the general work and management of the kitchen as directed by the cafeteria manager. Assumes the responsibilities of the cafeteria manager in his/her absence.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. High school graduate or equivalent
  2. Required to adhere to the annual minimum required training hours for School Nutrition Staff per the USDA Guide to Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs. This will be provided to staff throughout professional development opportunities
  3. Previous food service experience preferred.
  4. Good attendance record.
  5. Effective oral and written communication and understand and follow written and oral direction
  6. Must be ServSafe certified within 3 months of hire
  7. Computer experience
    a. Google Suite, Including Drive, Sheets, Docs and Gmail
  8. Experience in maintaining high quality service standards with food safety prioritized
  9. Exhibits leadership skills and initiative.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
May include, but not limited to:
  1. Assists in management operations and covers all duties when the Cafeteria Manager is absent including but not limited to assuming the manager's regular shift times, opening the kitchen, closing after operations, kitchen supervision and assuming the role of primary contact.
  2. Assists in food preparation according to food safety standards. Assist in the preparation and service of food; prepare fruits, vegetables, cereals and desserts; assemble various ingredients as assigned; package and wrap food items according to established procedures and portion control standards; serve meals on serving lines; set out prepared foods;
  3. Assists with serving food as described in the production records following correct portion sizes and specifications
  4. Assists with cleaning and sanitizing of kitchen and equipment. Clean serving counters, tables, chairs, food containers and other food service equipment; prepare food and beverages for sale; Set-up plates, trays and utensils; count food items including milk, juices and leftovers. Prepare salads, sandwiches and packaged foods for distribution; mix, slice, grate and chop food items; open cans; replenish containers as necessary.
  5. Stock condiments, food items and paper goods; assist in the storage and rotation of supplies in storage areas; unload deliveries as assigned; assist with ordering food items as assigned. May transport food and supplies as needed.
  6. Bending, lifting, and overhead work required.
  7. Prepare and maintain routine records and forms related to assigned activities including daily production sheets, daily temperature forms, meal count sheets and assisting inventories as assigned.
  8. Operate Point of Sale system and/or cash register; may collect money, accurately make change and count money.
  9. Assists with ordering and communicating kitchen needs.
  10. Maintain positive relationships with building staff and any substitutes
  11. Ability to stand for 4 hours at a time
  12. Ability to work significant temperature variations
  13. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.
REPORTS TO: Cafeteria Manager, Food Service Coordinator, and Assistant Food & Nutrition Director
RATE OF PAY: $16.25 per hour
START DATE: 26/27 School Year
HOURS: 28.75 hours per week, 5.75 hours per day, 5 days a week
EVALUATION:
Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.
METHOD OF APPLICATION:
INTERNAL APPLICANTS - Apply online using the Internal Applicants section. You will be required to upload the following documents to your application:
  • Letter of interest
  • Updated resume
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement (attach in resume section). This statement should include your understanding and Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion including your past experiences and how you will ensure this is at the center of your work in the role for which you are applying.

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS - Apply online using the External Applicants section. You will be required to upload the following documents to your application:
  • Cover Letter - Address letter to Abdul Madyun, Chief Human Resource Officer
  • Resume
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement (attach in resume section). This statement should include your understanding and Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion including your past experiences and how you will ensure this is at the center of your work in the role for which you are applying.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally the employee will bend or twist at the neck more than the average person. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Plymouth-Canton Community School district is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Plymouth-Canton Community School district is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Upon recommendation for employment, Section 1230g, as amended, of the Revised School Code requires all school employees to be electronically finger printed for the purpose of undergoing a criminal history background check. The fingerprinting is conducted by a third party and is at the expense of the applicant. Cost for fingerprinting is approximately $70.00.
DEADLINE: Open until filled

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