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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Glidewell Dental

Team Lead - Cafeteria

Irvine, CA · On-site

$19.30 - $22/hr

Ensures cafeteria equipment are functioning appropriately. Reports equipment failures to Facilities ... If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your ...

Adecco

Cook - All Shifts

Irvine, CA

$23 - $25/hr

Support food production for patient meals, cafeteria operations, catering events, and childcare ... Direct and coordinate day-to-day activities of food service staff during assigned shifts. * Assist ...

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All JobsCafeteria JobsCafeteria Assistant JobsCafeteria Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Cafeteria Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in Riverside, CA is $17.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are cafeteria assistants?

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 does a cafe assistant do?

A cafeteria assistant is responsible for preparing and serving food and beverages, maintaining cleanliness in dining areas, and assisting with customer service. They often handle cash registers, stock supplies, and follow safety and hygiene standards in a food service environment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Cafeteria assistants typically do not earn $4,000 a week; such high earnings are uncommon without specialized skills or certifications. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree include certain sales roles, real estate agents, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, often requiring experience or licensing. These positions may involve commission, tips, or overtime to reach high weekly earnings.

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.

How much do lunch ladies get paid?

In North Carolina, cafeteria assistants or lunch ladies typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $10 to $14, depending on experience and school district. Salaries may vary based on factors such as location, seniority, and whether the position is full-time or part-time.

How to get a job at a school cafeteria?

To get a job as a cafeteria assistant, applicants should check for openings at local schools or district websites, complete an application, and often undergo a background check. Relevant skills include customer service, food safety knowledge, and the ability to work in a team, with some positions requiring food handler certifications. Availability during school hours and a positive attitude are also important.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:
Cafeteria Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,075 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Cafeteria Assistant

Cafeteria Assistant

Oxford Preparatory Academy

Lake Forest, CA • On-site

$18.92 - $24.68/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About the Employer
Oxford Preparatory Academy's (Oxford Prep) vision is to create a center for higher learning where students from transitional kindergarten to eighth grade are prepared to pursue university level academic studies, as well as gain skills to be successful in the global community of the 21st century. Our students do not just meet, but exceed grade level expectations and become critical thinkers as they engage with dynamic teaching that makes them self-motivated, competent, and lifelong learners.
Job Summary
Part-time position
Schedule: Mon - Fri 7:30 am - 1:30 pm
Under general supervision of the site administrator to organize and participate in the operation of an elementary school food service program; to prepare daily cash and sales reports; and to maintain food service facilities and equipment in a clean and sanitary condition.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Organizes and participates in the selling and serving of a variety of foods; heats trays of foods to sufficient temperatures to ensure safety and sanitation requirements.
• Estimates sales and orders daily meals and snacks.
• Counts money and makes change.
• Inventories, orders, receives, stores, and rotates foods and supplies; maintains the flow of lunches to serving areas to ensure timely service.
• Reviews free and reduced lunch applications for completeness; sets up and monitors temporary free and reduced lunch account pending approval; prepares notification on the status of prepaid accounts.
• Sets up and takes down serving tables; organizes serving areas; fills condiment and utensil trays.
• May operate an automated sales and record-keeping system; counts and records daily cash receipts; totals daily sales; prepares manual or automated daily cash, sales, and ordering reports.
• Cleans tables, serving areas, refrigerators, and kitchen equipment; sweeps and mops spills on floors.
• Encourages students to develop good nutrition habits.
OTHER REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
• Delivers supplies to various areas within the school;
• Prepares required reports as necessary;
• Participates in staff development activities and professional learning communities as appropriate;
• Performs other related duties as
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
• Food production methods and procedures;
• Hygiene, sanitation, and common safety practices;
• Standard food service appliances and equipment;
• Basic math;
• Simple cash accounting and recordkeeping systems;
• Basic nutrition.
Requirements / Qualifications
  • Food Handler's Certificate
  • Letter of Introduction
  • Resume

Comments and Other Information
Oxford Preparatory Academy believes that all students are unique and gifted individuals. OPA is committed to developing life-long learners in a safe and caring educational environment where students are challenged, scholarship is expected, and differences are valued.
Oxford Preparatory Academy prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying in educational programs, activities or employment on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, parental, pregnancy, family, or marital status or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics

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