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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $175K/yr

Train / Mentor less senior/experienced Engineering associates and designers * Review designs and ... Section 125 / Cafeteria Plan * Long Term Care Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement * Fitness Center ...

Senior Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $175K/yr

Train / Mentor less senior/experienced Engineering associates and designers * Review designs and ... Section 125 / Cafeteria Plan * Long Term Care Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement * Fitness Center ...

Senior Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Train / Mentor less senior/experienced Engineering associates and designers * Review designs and ... Section 125 / Cafeteria Plan * Long Term Care Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement * Fitness Center ...

Showing results 21-40

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 cities in California are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

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.

Nutrition Assistant, Full Time, Variable Shift

Adventist Health

Clearlake, CA

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Adventist Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Requirements:

Organizational Requirements:

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit https://adventisthealth.org/careers/everify/ for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.

Job Summary

  • Cost Accounting Type: Variable Direct
  • Exempt: No
  • Under the direct supervision of the Director of Nutritional Services, prepares, re-heats, portions, garnishes food needed for patients and cafeteria clients, following proper food handling and preparation principles to insure food safety. Delivers trays and nourishments to patients. Responsible for maintaining NSS Card File with diet information. This position is represented by RCHEA. 

Standards of Behavior

    Line of Responsibility and Authority

    • LINE OF AUTHORITY: Nutrition Assistant - Director of Nutritional Services, Dietitian

    Professionalism and Self-Development

      Education and Qualifications

      • EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED Preferred
      • EXPERIENCE: Food service experience desired.
      • QUALIFICATIONS: Able to abide by established health and safety guideline
      • QUALIFICATIONS: Able to maintain positive professional manner in dealing with patients, hospital staff, doctors, visitors and vendors at all time often involving stressful situations (in person and by phone)
      • QUALIFICATIONSs: Able to organize and maintain good follow-up
      • QUALIFICATIONS: Able to work as a team player, finding ways to work together to meet all cafeteria, catering and patient needs
      • QUALIFICATIONS: Able to work independently with minimal supervision
      • QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of food service including patient diets, cold food prep, cash register operation, and inventory

      Physical Requirements/Work Environment/Use of Senses and Communications Skills

      • ACCOMMODATIONS: The physical demands and work environment characteristics are described here are representative of those an employee typically encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key responsibilities and essential functions.
      • CONFIDENTIALITY: Employee must conform with all HIPAA and other confidentiality regulations as required by the job, department, or hospital
      • EQUIPMENT USED: General office equipment, including computer, printer, calculator, copy machine and other office equipment.
      • EQUIPMENT USED: Kitchen equipment including stove, mixers, blenders, grills, grinders, steams, oven, slicer and dishwashing equipment.
      • PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This job requires frequent standing, walking, reaching, talking, and hearing, and occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, working from ladders, using hands to handle and feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will occasionally lift boxes and/or supplies weighing up to 80 pounds. The employee must demonstrate a lift of a 50 pound box from the floor.
      • POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO BLOOD AND BODY FLUIDS: Category 3 for potential exposure to blood/body fluids. (Does not require the performance of procedures or other tasks in the work routine that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, and the assisting in cases of emergency medical care or first aid is not a requirement of employment. Tasks that involve handling of implements or utensils, use of the public or shared bathroom facilities, telephones, and personal contacts such as handshaking, are all considered Category 3 tasks.)

      Job Roles

      Nutrition Assistant (AHCL)

      • Always keeps waste and over production to a minimum. Utilizes left over food items.
      • Checks patient, cafeteria, and catering menus to determine daily food preparation needed.
      • Fills out daily order guides.
      • Maintains and meets expectations on time for all competencies, license, certifications and education requirements as outlined by local administration, Adventist Health (AH), The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and all other regulatory Agencies.
      • Plans re-heating schedule to ensure that food will be ready at specified times, therefore not causing a delay in starting a catering function, serving the cafeteria and/or patients receiving their meals.
      • Serves food on tray line following prescribed diets honoring patient individual preferences and information obtained by dietitian. Serves food in cafeteria using correct portion sizes.
      • Washes pots and pans, clean according to established policy and procedures. Able to maintain a clean work area and completes assigned cleaning duties. Wash dishes and clean up area used during the shift. Helps clean up catering functions.
      • Willingly performs other duties and innovations as assigned.
      Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 100 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 440 sites of care, including 27 acute care facilities. Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care, and hospice agencies in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of more than 38,000 includes employees, physicians, Medical Staff, and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.

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