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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Cafeteria Assistant information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$9

$15

$22

How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in Decatur, AL is $15.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 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 Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:
Cafeteria Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,416 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Cafeteria Aide

Automation Personnel Services

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$14/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

FULL/ PART TIME HOSPITALITY ASSISTANT 
Automation Personnel Services is seeking a customer-focused and dependable Hospitality Assistant for a company based in Huntsville, AL. In this role, you will have the opportunity to build valuable hospitality and customer service skills while working in a welcoming, team-oriented environment that offers hands-on experience, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.

Pay Rate 
Part time $14.00 with $2.50 shift differential 
Full time $14.00 

Schedule and Hours 
Full time assistants must be available to work shifts starting as early as 5:30AM.
Part time assistants must be available to work 3:00PM- 7:30PM
Both Full/ Part time Assistants must be available to work any day of the week including weekend and holidays.

Hospitality Assistant Duties and Responsibilities
  • Delivers meals to patients within ten minutes of food cart arriving to floor and identifies each patient using two patient identifiers. 
  • Identifies each patient by asking name and date of birth before serving food.
  • Greets each patient according to customer service standards and offers individualized assistance with meal tray, receiving no complaints from patients or staff.
  • Appropriately handles all off-schedule trays, discharged patient trays, guest trays, courtesy trays and isolation trays while following universal precautions.
  • Retrieves trays for designated patients within 2 hours after serving tray.
  • Delivers nourishments to patients in timely manner.
  • Delivers floor stock items to each department in a timely manner. 
  • Ensure cleaning assignments are completed daily and signed off on. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 
Hospitality Assistant Qualifications and Requirements
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills required. 
  • Must be knowledgeable of and able to follow the standards of federal, state and regulatory agencies and JCAHO for sanitation, food preparation and handling
  • Must be able to properly identify patients and maintain confidentiality.
  • Must be able to move in a fast place environment.
  • Must be able to walk long distances frequently throughout the shift while maintaining productivity and adhering to safety standards.
  • Must possess strong attention to detail to accurately prepare and deliver meal trays in accordance with each patient's prescribed dietary requirements and restrictions.
 
Job Type 
Temporary to permanent 

Benefits 
  • Weekly Pay
  • Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance
  • 40 Hours Service Bonus after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours
  • 6 paid Holidays after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours

401(k) Retirement Plan
Automation Personnel Services is the only staffing agency specializing in manufacturing and industrial roles that offers 401(k) matching to all eligible contingent and temporary associates.

Click Apply Now to submit your application or call us at 256.533.5627 to learn more. You can also apply in person at our office located at 

Automation Personnel Services Huntsville Branch
7696 Highway 72 W Suite 340
Madison, AL 35758

Bonus Opportunity!
We are also offering a $50.00 referral bonus. Both employee and referral must stay on assignment for 30 days to receive the payout.

About Automation Personnel Services
Automation Personnel Services is a highly recognized staffing agency with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Our accolades include:
  • 11-time consecutive winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award (2016-2026).
  • Winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award (2019-2026).
  • Recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.
  • Named one of the Best Staffing Companies to Work For by CIO Views Magazine.
  • Named one of America’s Best Temp Staffing Firms by Forbes (2025).
  • Consistently ranked among the top U.S. staffing agencies by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

Get that New Job Feeling! Apply Today!

Equal Opportunity Employer
APSHuntsville
 
 
Automation Personnel Services logo

About Automation Personnel Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Automation Personnel Services is an award-winning staffing agency with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Automation Personnel Services is the winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award in 2019-2022, and the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award for seven straight years, 2016-2022. Automation Personnel Services is also the recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1990

Social media

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