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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

MedStar Health

Utility Worker

Olney, MD · On-site

$18.40 - $29.74/hr

May assist with stocking of supplies. * Clears dishes and trays. Cleans and sanitizes cafeteria tables. Collects and disposes of garbage left at tables and garbage containers in the cafeteria and ...

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Cafeteria Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in Reston, VA is $17.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.75 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 Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:

Cafeteria Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Reston, VA 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 $35,974 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Cafeteria Monitor

Frederick Douglass Elementary School

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$15.65/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Elementary School Lunchroom Employee

This is a part-time position working in the school lunchroom in an elementary school.

Roles and Responsibilities
  • An employee in this class is responsible for overseeing students from the time they enter the lunchroom until the time they leave.
  • Assists students who may need help as they go through the lunch line, including assisting students with condiments, opening milk cartons and other containers, dispensing napkins, etc.
  • Oversees the conduct, seating, and needs of students as they are seated in the lunch room in order to maintain an orderly lunchroom atmosphere by encouraging students to practice good table etiquette, to respect the feelings of others, and to refrain from sharing food with classmates.
  • Helps any parents, relatives, or visitors who may enter the lunchroom.
  • Arranges tables for seating of students.
  • Assists with clean up of the lunchroom after each class has been dismissed and at the conclusion of each day's lunch room activities, and at additional times if required.
  • Knows the appropriate fire exits to use in case of emergencies.
  • Performs related work as required.
Qualifications

Graduation from high school; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

  • Knowledge of student behavior as applied to children; of the language, culture, and other characteristics of the families whose children are enrolled in Loudoun County Public Schools.
  • Ability to work effectively with children; to supervise student behavior, maintain discipline, and to perform general lunch room duties.
  • Good human relations and communications skills.
Physical Requirements:

The following provides a brief description of physical requirements for this position: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly talking, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. The employee must possess normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies. Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Reports To: Principal and/or Assistant Principal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hours Vary

Salary: Banded Rate, Band 2, $15.65 per hour

Salary Scale: https://www.lcps.org/compensation

Union Designation: Non-Union

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