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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

ST PATRICK SCHOOL

Cafeteria and Custodial Assistant

Mcewen, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Full-time cafeteria and custodial assistant. 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Assist Cafeteria Manager and complete all tasks assigned. Must be able to lift 50lbs and contribute ...

Central High School

Nutrition Service Support- 4 HR

Memphis, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Cafeteria Assistant Assists the School Nutrition Supervisor in the efficient operation of the cafeteria by preparing and serving nutritious and attractive meals for students and staff in a pleasant ...

Peabody Elementary

Nutrition Service Support- 4 HR

Memphis, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Job Title Cafeteria Assistant Assists the School Nutrition Supervisor in the efficient operation of the cafeteria by preparing and serving nutritious and attractive meals for students and staff in a ...

Woodstock K-8

Nutrition Service Support- 4 HR

Millington, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Job Title Cafeteria Assistant Assists the School Nutrition Supervisor in the efficient operation of the cafeteria by preparing and serving nutritious and attractive meals for students and staff in a ...

Bruce Elementary

Nutrition Service Support- 4 HR

Memphis, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Job Title Cafeteria Assistant Assists the School Nutrition Supervisor in the efficient operation of the cafeteria by preparing and serving nutritious and attractive meals for students and staff in a ...

Wise Staffing Group

Cafeteria - 1st Shift

Maryville, TN · On-site

$14.50/hr

Cafeteria Attendant Salary: $14.50 per hour Shift Hours: 1:30 PM to 9:30 PM No weekends required Responsibilities: Assist in food preparation and cooking tasks according to established recipes and ...

Wise Staffing Group

Cafeteria - 2nd Shift

Maryville, TN · On-site

$14.50/hr

Cafeteria Attendant Salary: $14.50 per hour Shift Hours: 1:30 PM to 9:30 PM No weekends required Responsibilities: Assist in food preparation and cooking tasks according to established recipes and ...

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Cafeteria Assistant information

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How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in Tennessee is $15.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.35 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Tennessee?

For Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:

Cafeteria Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,384 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Cafeteria Assistant

Murfreesboro City Schools

Murfreesboro, TN

$13 - $16.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Murfreesboro City Schools

Cafeteria Assistant

Department of Nutrition

Revised on 07/02/2018


Credentials: High School diploma or GED. All applicants will work first as a substitute employee before being hired as a permanent cafeteria employee.

Other Qualifications: The position of Cafeteria Assistant requires an individual who is neat in appearance, clean in work habits and follow all safety rules; be confidential; work cooperatively with others; be courteous; have a positive attitude toward work; and demonstrate a happy, helpful, attitude toward students. The employee is subject to a post offer physical examination with a written statement from the physical showing a satisfactory health record and stating the employee is free of any contagious or communicable disease in such form as might endanger the health of school children. The employee must also pass a PAT (physical abilities test) prior to being hired. All employees hired after January 1, 2000 are required (post offer and prior to commencement of the employment duties) to supply fingerprint samples which are submitted to a criminal history records check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. All hiring decisions are contingent upon satisfactory criminal background check results.

Physical Demands: The employee must have sufficient strength and ability to independently and repeatedly lift objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds and move objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; must be able to lift objects weighing more than 5 pounds with assistance. This employee must have sufficient strength/ability to independently push cart weighing up to fifteen (15) pounds at a distance of fifty (50) feet. This work involves medium-heavy lifting of boxes, reaching, pushing, pulling, stooping, climbing, maneuvering in confined spaces and prolonged standing and walking; work involves exposure to extreme temperatures, chemicals and smells commonly associated with cooking, cleaning and school in general.

Essential Job Functions:

  1. Assists in all phases of food preparation, service, proper food storage, and cleaning so as to help ensure efficiency in these areas and all follow up operations work in the cafeteria according to established procedures and methods.
  2. Performs required standing and walking as shift allows.
  3. Follows safety and sanitation rules.
  4. Follows all SOP's.
  5. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
  6. Employee must be willing to assist in other areas of cafeteria, including but not limited to, cashier.
  7. Must be willing to get certified in School Nutrition and attend continuing education classes.
  8. Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instruction.
  9. Ability to understand and prepare recipes.
  10. Must have good mathematical skills.

Staff Relationship: Reports directly to the cafeteria manager.

Terms of Employment: Part-time: Hourly wage local scale without benefits; work only on days the cafeteria serves students plus three days per year for staff training/pre-open set up/ close up. Non-Exempt


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