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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Cafeteria Assistant information

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$10

$16

$23

How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in Virginia is $16.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.88 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,282 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$16.23/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Virginia Beach City Public Schools rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 624 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Classified - Position - Cafeteria Assistant
Job Number 3700271229
Start Date
Open Date 06/15/2026
Closing Date 06/17/2027
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The position assists the Cafeteria Manager in preparing and serving breakfast, lunch, and other meals to children and adults, ensuring courteous customer service-focused service. Responsibilities include performing duties in compliance with health, food service, government, and other relevant regulations.
What does a cafeteria assistant do? Take a look here!
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
  • Practice personal hygiene and proper sanitation procedures.
  • Turn on, test, and monitor equipment at the beginning of the day.
  • Perform food preparation duties daily and for the next day, according to written and oral instructions.
  • Serve breakfast, lunch and a la carte items.
  • Handle cashiering responsibilities including food and ticket sales and serving of ala carte items. Replenish food and maintainclean serving areas.
  • Monitor food and equipment temperatures at all times.
  • Exhibit courtesy and understanding to staff and customers.
  • Perform dishwashing duties of cooking, serving, and eating utensils tools.
  • Organize, set up and break down of serving areas, workstations, and equipment.
  • Receive, stock, and rotate incoming and outgoing inventory.
  • Participate in formal and informal training.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sanitation practices.
  • Exhibit the professional behavior of a reliable employee.
  • Maintain a neat, clean, and safe work environment.
  • Participate in marketing promotions and special events for students, adults, and community.
  • Sign in and work according to a time schedule.
  • Perform related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
General knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing and serving meats, breads, vegetables and other foods on a large scale, and the use or care of food preparation equipment. Must be skilled in the use of standardized and specialized kitchen utensils and equipment and demonstrate proper equipment operation skills. Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, students and staff; able to maintain emotional control; work with others in a close fast paced environment and address customers in a pleasant, courteous manner. Must have a basic ability to read and speak/understand English.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required: A level of education necessary for reading and following written food menus and work schedules and a valid food handler's card issued by the school division.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Frequent walking, standing, bending, grasping, fingering, repetitive motion, and reaching. Occasional sitting, stooping, and crouching. Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements such as extreme heat, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, hazards such exposure to chemicals, moving mechanical parts, etc. and/or loud noises. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently. Requires timely and regular adherence to established work schedules.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Please see "Job Posting Link" below for a complete job description.
External Applicants: If you are interested in applying for this position, you must create an account. Please select "Login and Apply" from the bottom of this posting. After creating an account, please login, complete the online application, and apply for this job.
Eligible Internal Applicants: Follow these instructions to complete a transfer application. After creating an account, please complete the application and apply for this job.
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Job Posting Link https://vbschoolscom.finalsite.com/fs/resource-manager/view/98728045-f426-4852-b081-4fca2aea54a8
Salary Range: From/To
Hours: The Cafeteria Assistant may be assigned a 4,5, or 6 hours per day position. Hours may depend on assigned location.
Location: Various schools within Virginia Beach. Multiple locations available.
Starting rate: $16.23
Compensation will be based on job-related creditable years of full-time, verified work experience. The entry-level rate will be awarded at the time of hire. Upon the return of employment verification forms from the candidate's current and previous employers, the rate will be adjusted if creditable full-time experience is confirmed.
VBCPS offers a full range of benefits including health insurance, paid life insurance, paid sick/annual leave, tuition reimbursement, professional development and membership in the Virginia Retirement System.
Unified Experience Based Step Pay Scale: U07
FTE Other
Additional Job Information
A minimum of three references are required in the reference section of your application. One of the three must be a current or most recent former supervisor.

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