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Cafeteria Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provides general support and assistance to all areas in the Cafeteria, including but not limited to cashiering, cash control, serving, handling food products, dish washing, simple cooking, catering ...

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Cafeteria Assistant information

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$10

$16

$23

How much do cafeteria assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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.

How to get a job in a school cafeteria?

To get a job as a cafeteria assistant, applicants should typically complete an application process through the school district or institution, meet any age or experience requirements, and pass background checks. Relevant skills include food service, customer service, and the ability to work in a team environment. Some positions may require food safety training or certifications such as ServSafe.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day typically include high-level roles such as specialized medical professionals, senior corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, or skilled consultants. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, or significant responsibility, and may involve long hours or high-risk environments.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Cafeteria Assistant typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree, as this salary level is uncommon for entry-level food service roles. High-paying jobs that can reach this income without a degree often include roles like sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades such as electricians or plumbers with experience and certifications. These positions usually require specialized skills, experience, or licensing rather than formal college degrees.

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 between $10 and $14 per hour, depending on experience and school district. Salaries may vary based on factors such as location, certifications, and whether the position is full-time or part-time.
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:
What states have the most Cafeteria Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Cafeteria Assistant jobs include:
Cafeteria Assistant

$13 - $16/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

School Year:
2026 - 2027

Position Status: Tier 2
Non-Benefited Health Insured 
6.5 Daily Hours
Salary Range A
$15.15
Required
High School Diploma or equivalent
Food Handlers Health Card
Proof MMR and Hepatitis B Health Record
IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose Statement
The job of Cafeteria Assistant is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the educational process at an assigned cafeteria location with specific responsibilities for preparing and serving food items to students and/or school personnel; and maintaining food service facilities in a safe and sanitary condition.
This job reports to Cafeteria Manager/Director - Child NutritionEssential Functions
















  • Attends unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
  • Cleans utensils, equipment, and storage, food preparation and serving areas for the purpose of maintaining required sanitary conditions.
  • Collects payments for food items from students and staff for the purpose of completing transactions and/or securing funds for food selection.
  • Complete understanding of serving food for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional requirements and/or requests of students and school personnel.
  • Inspects food items and/or supplies for the purpose of verifying quantity, quality and specifications of orders and/or complying with mandated health standards.
  • Inventories food, condiments and supplies for the purpose of ensuring availability of items required for meeting projected menu requirements.
  • Maintains equipment and report equipment malfunctions to supervisor for the purpose of complying with current health standards.
  • Monitors kitchen and cafeteria areas for the purpose of ensuring a safe and sanitary working environment.
  • Orders food/non food items for the purpose of maintaining an adequate inventory to maintain operations within established nutritional and budget guidelines.
  • Performs functions of other nutritional services positions, as requested by supervisor for the purpose of ensuring adequate staff coverage within site nutritional services operations.
  • Prepares food and beverage items for all services for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional and projected meal requirements.
  • Reports equipment malfunctions for the purpose of notifying supervisor of need for repair and/or replacement.
  • Stocks food, condiments and supplies for the purpose of maintaining adequate quantities and security of items.

Other Functions

  • Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks using existing skills. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; and operating equipment found in a commercial kitchen.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: safety practices and procedures; quantify food preparation and handling; and sanitation practices.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals; work with specific, job-related data; and utilize job-related equipment. Some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: the ability to follow a recipe; working as part of a team; and working with interruptions.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 0% sitting, 50% walking, and 50% standing.  The job is performed under temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Experience       Job related experience is desired.
                       









Continuing Educ./Training Clearances Safe School Courses
 
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
 

FLSA Status                                                    Approval Date                                                        
Non Exempt                                                                   Salary Range A 15.15
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