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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Cafeteria Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

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How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Cafeteria 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:
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,974 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Special Education - Public Health Attendant

Fairfax County Public Schools

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$27K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Fairfax County Public Schools rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 624 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Summary
Assists special education teachers with the daily care of students with disabilities and designated special education classes in centers or school facilities.
Qualifications
Required
  • Education, training, and experience equivalent to completion of the seventh grade; ORGraduation from a Fairfax County Public Schools special education program with a diploma or certificate of completion; OREquivalent program which provided training in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Ability to communicate effectively , both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to provide appropriate care to students with disabilities.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to work effectively with students and staff.

Major Duties/Essential Functions
  1. Assists with the care of and monitoring of designated categories of special education students.
  2. Assists students with daily living skills including toileting, feeding, dressing, and other hygiene needs as required.
  3. Assists with keeping classrooms neat and orderly and in supervising student activities.
  4. Assists with monitoring students in halls, entering or exiting bus, on school grounds, in a cafeteria, and other areas.
  5. Assists teachers and assistants with basic classroom support for students.
  6. Participates in the lifting of students; moves or lifts wheelchairs and other equipment; assists students with physical movement.
  7. Supports students using assistive technologies.
  8. Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements
This job operates in a school environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. Sufficient strength, dexterity, and mobility to lift, or assist with lifting students, to push and/or position wheelchairs, and to physically restrain students. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to regularly stand, sit, walk, bend, and/or kneel. This job requires lifting up to 35 lbs., and occasional lifting/moving up to 70 lbs. and/or use of a Hoyer lift. This role routinely uses standard classroom equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and assistive technology.

What Fairfax County Public Schools employees say

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Benefits

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Fairfax County Public Schools logo

About Fairfax County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

FCPS serves a diverse student population of more than 181,000 students. Fairfax County Public Schools is a Catalyst that transforms our Community's most valuable potential our children and shapes a thriving future. We are the community's gathering place where, together, We foster Creative thinking, a Culture of caring, and Lifelong connections. In our schools, Students share a Diversity of experiences that prepare them for success in a Global society teachers creatively challenge and inspire young minds, and Parents actively engage in their children's future.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1870

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