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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ovisllc93023

Associate Cafeteria - Attendant

Ojai, CA · On-site

Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. * Set-up and breakdown cafeteria room * Assist to organize and put away cafeteria requisitions

ovisllc93023

Associate Cafeteria - Line Cook

Ojai, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

The Cafeteria Cook assists the culinary team in providing Five Diamond standards of service and cooking to the associate cafeteria while practicing OVI policies and procedures. Prepares and cooks ...

ovisllc93023

Associate Cafeteria - Line Cook

Ojai, CA

$15.75 - $19/hr

The Cafeteria Cook assists the culinary team in providing Five Diamond standards of service and cooking to the associate cafeteria while practicing OVI policies and procedures. Prepares and cooks ...

AccorHotel

Cafeteria Cook III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24.08/hr

... Cafeteria Cook lll. Responsibilities To produce all hot and cold food items for service in the ... Each associate is expected to carry out, within their capabilities, all reasonable requests by ...

FAIRMONT

Cafeteria Cook III

San Diego, CA · On-site

... Cafeteria Cook lll. Responsibilities To produce all hot and cold food items for service in the ... Each associate is expected to carry out, within their capabilities, all reasonable requests by ...

AccorHotel

Cafeteria Cook III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24.08/hr

... Cafeteria Cook lll. Responsibilities To produce all hot and cold food items for service in the ... Each associate is expected to carry out, within their capabilities, all reasonable requests by ...

Rosewood Hotel Group

Cafeteria - Cook II

Montecito, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

While working for the company there will be access to a wide variety of confidential information concerning the company, guests and associates. It is vital that all such information remains ...

The Sheraton Palo Alto

Dishwasher

Palo Alto, CA

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Lastly, the Dishwasher will assist with prep-work and cafeteria attendant responsibilities as ... Greet all guests and or associates upon contact. * Assist with training and or providing guidance ...

The Sheraton Palo Alto

Dishwasher

Palo Alto, CA

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Lastly, the Dishwasher will assist with prep-work and cafeteria attendant responsibilities as ... Greet all guests and or associates upon contact. * Assist with training and or providing guidance ...

The Sheraton Palo Alto

Dishwasher

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Lastly, the Dishwasher will assist with prep-work and cafeteria attendant responsibilities as ... Greet all guests and or associates upon contact. * Assist with training and or providing guidance ...

The Sheraton Palo Alto

Dishwasher

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Lastly, the Dishwasher will assist with prep-work and cafeteria attendant responsibilities as ... Greet all guests and or associates upon contact. * Assist with training and or providing guidance ...

The Sheraton Palo Alto

Dishwasher

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Lastly, the Dishwasher will assist with prep-work and cafeteria attendant responsibilities as ... Greet all guests and or associates upon contact. * Assist with training and or providing guidance ...

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All JobsCafeteria Associate JobsCafeteria Associate Jobs in California

Cafeteria Associate information

See California salary details

$13

$16

$20

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in California is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCafeteria AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, cafeterias in institutionsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, school districtsRestaurants, catering companies, institutional food services
Job DutiesServing students, cashiering, food prep, cleaningPreparing and serving food, cleaning, customer service

Both roles involve food service in institutional settings, often requiring similar certifications and skills. However, Cafeteria Associates primarily work in school environments serving students, while Food Service Workers may work in a broader range of food service settings like restaurants and catering. The core responsibilities overlap, but the work environment and specific duties differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and proper sanitation procedures is typically required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management abilities help individuals excel in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health regulations.

What is a cafeteria associate?

Cafeteria Associates are staff members who work in cafeterias, often in schools, hospitals, or corporate settings, to help prepare, serve, and sometimes cook food. They are responsible for ensuring that food is served safely and efficiently, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, handling cash registers or payment systems, and providing customer service to patrons. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of food service in large institutions, and they often work as part of a team under the supervision of a cafeteria manager or supervisor.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafeteria Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high customer volumes during peak meal times, maintaining cleanliness under tight schedules, and addressing diverse dietary needs. Effective time management and clear communication with team members can help in prioritizing tasks and ensuring smooth service. Additionally, being adaptable and following established food safety protocols are essential for delivering quality meals and a positive dining experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Associate jobs in California?

For Cafeteria Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Cafeteria Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,449 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Associate Cafeteria - Attendant

ovisllc93023

Ojai, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Responsible for the efficient and proper set-up of the staff cafeteria. Perform set-up and break-down of the cafeteria room in a manner that ensures neatness and accuracy. 

Maintaining the area clean and organized during the shift ensuing the cafeteria equipment is working properly

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential: 

  • Able to work on your feet during the 8 hr shift.
  • Ability to communicate at a basic level in the English Language.
  • Ability to follow directions.
  • Ability to work cohesively with other associates and departments as part of a team.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
  • Ability to focus attention to details.
  • Valid CA Food Handlers Card
  • Experience working without direct supervision.
  • Basic understanding of chemical usage.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
  • Positive, friendly demeanor.

Desirable:

  • Bilingual English/Spanish.
  • Previous experience in a kitchen or sanitation related position.
  • Previous experience with guest or customer relations.
  • Intermediate or advanced understanding of chemical usage.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

  • Set-up and breakdown cafeteria room
  • Assist to organize and put away cafeteria requisitions
  • Maintain a neat, clean and organized work environment.  
  • Provide friendly and professional service.
  • Clean up and set up food service equipment; e.i soft serve ice cream, coffee dispenser, soda machine
  • Maintain small ware clean and stock during the shift; silverware, trays, plates, bowls
  • Take trash out keeping area clean
  • Pushing carts with soiled small ware to designated dishwashing stations
  • Assist dishwashing station with cleaning of cafeteria equipment
  • Operate the dishwashing machine including turning on and off, de-liming, changing water and adding chemicals when necessary
  • Mop and sweep as needed during the shift and at the end
  • Assist on the food line to avoid backups and expedite meal breaks

Apply