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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Assistant

Weed, CA ยท On-site

$38K - $54K/yr

The primary campus offers numerous associate degree and certificate programs in the arts, athletics ... Experience working in a cafeteria or snack bar. Safe Serve Certification. Other Details LICENSES ...

PT Front Desk

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$21.50/hr

Daily our associates enjoy a free meals in our spacious associate cafeteria. Monthly we have a Town Hall meeting celebrating our associates, special delights from our Chef, and prizes. Join our ...

PT Front Desk

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$21.50/hr

Daily our associates enjoy a free meals in our spacious associate cafeteria. Monthly we have a Town Hall meeting celebrating our associates, special delights from our Chef, and prizes. Join our ...

PT Front Desk

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$21.50/hr

Daily our associates enjoy a free meals in our spacious associate cafeteria. Monthly we have a Town Hall meeting celebrating our associates, special delights from our Chef, and prizes. Join our ...

Senior Engineer

Pomona, CA ยท 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 ...

Food Service

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$13.50 - $19.92/mo

... School Nutrition Associate - is responsible for preparing and serving meals to students while ... Food Service: Serves students and staff from the cafeteria line, ensuring meals meet USDA ...

Cook

Murrieta, CA ยท On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The Cook prepares hot and cold food items for patient tray line, cafeteria and catered events ... Culinary training with Chef Certification or Associate Degree in Culinary Arts highly preferred.

Cook

Murrieta, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $26.91/hr

The Cook prepares hot and cold food items for patient tray line, cafeteria and catered events ... Culinary training with Chef Certification or Associate Degree in Culinary Arts highly preferred.

Showing results 41-60

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.

Instructional/Supervision Aide

Bakersfield, CA โ€ข On-site

$17.33 - $21.64/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Posting Date: August 4, 2026

ย 

JOB OPPORTUNITY

JOB TITLE:ย  Instructional/Supervision Aideย 

SITE AND LOCATION OF POSITION: Standard Elementary School

TERM AND HOURS OF POSITION: 5.75 Hours Per Day

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:ย  Performs the necessary duties to assist in the planning and implementation of a program for the regular and special needs of children in the classroom. In addition, duties include supervision of students on the playground, in the cafeteria, and in other areas as assigned. Encourages student activities that will contribute toward the health, safety, and desirable social skills and habits of the students while on the school playground, during the lunch period, and at other assigned times and locations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate's degree, two years of study at an institute of higher learning, or have met formal academic assessment required by Title I requirements in Every Student Succeeds Act.
  • CPR training.ย 

SALARY:ย  Range 8, $17.33- $21.64 per hour based on 10 steps. ย (additional $0.32 per hour in lieu of benefits).

SCREENING PROCEDURES:ย  Review of applications and personal interviews.

FILING DEADLINE:ย ย  4:00 p.m. August 10, 2026, or open until filled.

OTHER COMMENTS:ย ย Applicant selected will be required to successfully complete a pre-placement medical assessment, TB clearance, and fingerprint clearance.

TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE APPLICATION:ย  Go to "www.standardschools.net" and click on "Employment Opportunities." ย Complete and submit the online application.