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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Cafeteria Associate information

See California salary details

$13

$16

$20

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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 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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in California 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:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,449 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Food Services Assistant (63264)

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

Adams & Associates, Inc.
Business Management Consultingย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$18.37/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Ensures that food, supplies and equipment are available as needed and stored properly when not in use. Responsible for assisting in the preparation of food for meals. Provides kitchen clean-up to facilitate sanitizing of all food service areas.
May supervise Job Corps' Work-Based Learning and Leisure Time Student employees.
o Transfers food, supplies and equipment between storage areas and kitchen and/or cafeteria.
o Washes, peels and cores fruit and vegetables as necessary.
o Sets up and takes down tables and chairs.
o Scrapes, washes and stores dishes, pots, pans and utensils.
o Clears, cleans, and sanitizes kitchen, cafeteria area and food storage areas.
o Cleans refrigerators, stoves, ovens and other kitchen equipment.
o Sweeps, mops, waxes and strips wax from floors.
o Cleans and stores trash containers in appropriate areas.
o Degreases and sanitizes vent screens and filters.
o Provides superior customer service at all times.
o Produces quality work/assignments in a thorough, timely and accurate manner.
o Maintains appropriate personal attendance, accountability and work productivity standards.
o Plans, prioritizes and organizes assignments to meet established goals and deadlines.
o Understands and applies job knowledge to effectively complete all required job responsibilities. Proactively maintains the skills required to perform job duties.
o Mentors, monitors and models the Career Success Standards as required by the PRH.
o Provides high-quality supervision and management for the student population. Takes swift and appropriate action and positively influences student behavior. Shows respect and courtesy to students and holds them accountable for their actions and behavior.
o Provides quality services for students and ensures that quality is maintained and student needs are met. Pursues improvement and enhancement of requisite services.
o Exchanges ideas and information, both orally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner and contributes meaningfully to group efforts by offering relevant ideas and knowledge. Provides quality and timely information to DOL/Company when requested.
o Effectively articulates thoughts and ideas. Identifies problems, analyzes causes and evaluates appropriate solutions prior to taking or recommending actions. Follows up to ensure prompt/appropriate action is required and that problems are in fact corrected.
o Works in partnership with staff from all Departments to ensure effective supervision and services are provided to students.
o Accepts direction and supervision from the Center Director/Center Duty Officer/Shift Manager to include assignments to temporarily perform job responsibilities of other departments and positions.
o Other duties as assigned.
High School Diploma or equivalent required. Advanced degrees preferred. Experience in a food services operation desired. Ability to obtain local Food Handling/Health Certification required. Physical requirements include sitting, standing, climbing, walking, lifting, pulling and/or pushing, carrying, reaching, stooping and crouching. Demonstrates the ability to lift 40 pounds and / or the ability to assess the lift load in order to ask for necessary assistance.
"Adams and Associates, Inc. abides by the requirements of 41 CFR ยงยง 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to their protected veteran status or disability." This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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About Adams and Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Adams and Associates, based in Reno, NV, US, operates within the education management industry and specializes in delivering high-quality academic and career technical training programs. Servicing multiple locations throughout the United States, their mission is guided by a vision to create the most effective and successful model for engaging and empowering students to achieve their full potential. The firm's mission statement, "Providing Quality Education and Services for a Multitude of Opportunities," underscores its commitment to excellence and reflects its core values of safety, integrity, and respect.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reno, NV, US

Year founded

1990

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