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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Cafeteria Cashier - Charles Street

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Use proper food handling, storage, and sanitation techniques always (HACCP). * Assist in training new culinary Team Members. * Endure exposure to extreme temperatures; intense heat and freezing cold.

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Cafeteria Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $17.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.65 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD 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 $35,774 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$18.40 - $29.74/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Sets up and operates dishwashing equipment, washes dishes and kitchen utensils, and maintains cleanliness of kitchen areas and equipment.

  • Maintains storerooms and walk-ins in an organized manner, rotates stock according to first-in-first-out, and assists with stocking supplies.

  • Clears dishes and trays, cleans and sanitizes cafeteria tables and workstations, and disposes of garbage in designated areas.


Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 241 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About the Job
General Summary of Position
The primary function of the Utility Worker is to perform a variety of kitchen tasks including maintaining kitchen work areas equipment and utensils while delivering excellence in hospitality and customer services to all.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Sets up dish machine to ensure proper dish washing handling and storage. Practices proper deliming procedures. Washes dishes by hand or places them in a dishwashing machine. May wash pots. Washes worktables walls refrigerators and meat blocks. Sweeps mops cleans and vacuums floors. Removes trash and garbage to designated areas. Transfers supplies and equipment within and between storage and work areas such as pantry and dish room. Cleans equipment using specific chemicals to ensure sanitary standards. Polishes silver.
  • Maintains storerooms and walk-ins in a neat and orderly fashion. Follows first- in first-out method for rotating stock adhering to all HACCP procedures. Keeps all equipment clean and maintained after use. 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 tray return area. Cleans and sanitizes kitchen and cafeteria workstation and equipment as scheduled. Sweeps and mops cafeteria servery tray return area and main kitchen between meals.
  • May performs tray line duties according to prescribed diets and patient requests. Places selected food items on patient trays in accordance with sanitation standards and patient requests. Ensures patient food meets any special diet. Assists with preparing food for cafeteria for all assigned meals.
  • Promptly answers customer staff requests pleasantly and appropriately. Approach greet and offer assistance to patients family members physicians and others who may need help.
  • Pitches in to cover shortages within department. Takes initiative to solve problems and recommends improvements of hospital procedures and intra or interdepartmental processes.
  • When learning needs are identified participates in training and development activities. Attends hospital sponsored training programs as required by the department. Meets all mandatory obligations.
  • Participates in departmental projects. Participates in interdepartmental activities when asked. Demonstrates a constructive approach during all interactions with staff supervisors and managers both inside and outside the unit.
  • Complies with all MedStar/Sodexo HACCP policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and injuries in a timely manner. Complies with all company safety and risk management policies and procedures. Participates in regular safety meetings safety training and hazard assessments. Attends training programs (classroom and virtual) as designated. Attends all allergy and food borne illness in-service training.
  • Minimal Qualifications
    Education
    • High School Diploma or GED preferred
    Experience
    • 1-2 years preferred
    Knowledge Skills and Abilities
    • Ability to read write speak and comprehend English.
    • Ability to follow basic written and oral instructions.
    • Ability to count and perform basic arithmetic.

    This position has a hiring range of
    USD $18.40 - USD $29.74 /Hr.

    What Medstar Health employees say

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    Hours and flexibility

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    Get the full story on Breakroom


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    About Medstar Health

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

    Industry

    Health care and social assistance

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Columbia, MD, US

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