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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Donegal School District

Cafeteria Assistants

Mount Joy, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Food Services/Cafeteria Assistant Date Posted: 5/22/2026 Location: Food Service Date Available: 08/31/2026 Cafeteria Assistants & Dishwashers Needed Across Multiple Buildings! Are you passionate ...

Brownhealth

Cafeteria Assistant

Providence, RI

$19.17/hr

Sets up cafeteria menu boards daily to identify availability and cost for cafeteria customers. * Programs and operates computerized cash register for that days menus and prices. Receives cash and ...

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$23

How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria assistant in the United States is $16.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.03 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 cities are hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Cafeteria Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Cafeteria Assistant jobs? The top employers for Cafeteria Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Cafeteria Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Cafeteria Assistant jobs include:
Cafeteria Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,579 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Cafeteria Assistant (6 Hours)/Bus Driver

Cafeteria Assistant (6 Hours)/Bus Driver

Wayne County Public Schools

Dudley, NC • On-site

$15.60/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
School Nutrition/Cafeteria Assistant/Bus Driver
Date Posted:
6/30/2026
Location:
Brogden Primary
Cafeteria Assistant/Bus Driver
Wayne County Public Schools
Job Description
Class: Classified
Dept: Child Nutrition
TITLE: Cafeteria Assistant/Bus Driver
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. High School degree or equivalent.
  2. Serve as a Bus Driver/Sub Bus Driver for a school bus as required by the principal. Shall have all qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education and must maintain appropriate bus driver certification at all times.

REPORTS TO: Cafeteria Manager
JOB GOAL: To assist in the preparation, sale, and service of food for the food service program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Follow all rules, policies, and procedures, along with state and federal regulations relevant to the child nutrition department.
2. Assist in the preparation of food.
3. Clean and wash dishes/equipment.
4. Collect money and ID cards during meals, make reports of lunches and collections, and tabulate paid, free, and reduced price meal counts.
5. Participate in training programs.
6. Keep the area neat and clean.
7. Perform related duties and responsibilities as requested by the Principal or Cafeteria Manager.
Terms of Employment: Ten-month work year/At Will/FLSA Non-Exempt
Starting Salary and/or Grade: Grade 04C: ($15.60 per hour)
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board and local policy on evaluation of personnel.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrate functional knowledge of basic principles of food cookery.
  • Demonstrate functional knowledge of food service equipment.
  • Ability to be mentally alert and apply knowledge applicable to the job.
  • Ability to follow written recipes and instructions.
  • Ability to operate dishwasher, food grinder, mixer, meat slicer, range, ovens, refrigerator, and freezer.
  • Ability to operate a computer, and a calculator, correctly and accurately, as well as make change rapidly.
  • Physical ability (able to exert up to 25 pounds of force)

Attachment(s):
  • Cafeteria Assistant-Bus Driver 12.05.2024.pdf

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