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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Perform cleaning duties in dining room, kitchen, serving areas, cafeteria and storerooms as ... The ability to take ownership for associate's safety and the safety of the residents * Must ...

Perform cleaning duties in dining room, kitchen, serving areas, cafeteria and storerooms as ... The ability to take ownership for associate's safety and the safety of the residents * Must ...

Perform cleaning duties in dining room, kitchen, serving areas, cafeteria and storerooms as ... The ability to take ownership for associate's safety and the safety of the residents * Must ...

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

LEAD FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Hartford, CT · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

LEAD FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Hartford, CT · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large ...

Tray Passer

New Haven, CT · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Single competency will work as either a Tray Passer or a Tray Line associate, As an Ambassador 1 ... provides cafeteria food service for patients. Maintains service time-lines to ensure timely ...

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large ...

Showing results 41-60

Cafeteria Associate information

See Connecticut salary details

$13

$15

$19

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Connecticut is $15.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $16.92 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 Connecticut?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Connecticut are:

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

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

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,205 per year, or $16 per hour.

Nutrition Care Associate Per Diem

Hospital for Special Care

New Britain, CT • On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


Hospital for Special Care rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

510th of 1,060 rated hospitals


Job description

Position Location:
Hospital for Special CareScheduled Weekly Hours:
0Work Shift:
First ShiftDepartment:
Food and Nutrition
We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day!
QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma/Graduate Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.).
  • At least one-year experience in hospital food service preferred.
  • Must be able to read, write, and understand instructions to perform responsibilities independently.
  • General knowledge of therapeutic diets preferred.
  • Have excellent attention to details and service knowledge.
  • Have excellent communication and organization skills.
JOB SUMMARY
Performs essential duties associated with the nutritional care and food service to all patients. Responsible for pediatric formula preparation, food/snack preparation, general cleaning, and stocking of food service areas. Other duties include working with patients and/or caregivers to obtain menu selections, setup and service on the patient trayline as well as delivering items to and from clinical units and working the cash register in the main cafeteria.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Standing and walking continuously up to six hours.
  • Lifting 11 - 20 pounds frequently.
  • Push / pull 50 - 100 pounds occasionally.
  • Bend, twist, squat, and reach frequently.
  • Frequent fine manipulation with one hand.
COGNITIVE DEMANDS
  • Problem Solving - Tasks allow for the application of over-learned knowledge and basic follow through on easily identifiable steps. Reference materials are available. Limited inference is necessary. Some selective attention is necessary to complete task.
  • Written expression/communication - Basic formulation, content, syntax and spelling are adequate to complete the task, only simple sentence or very short paragraph expression is necessary.
  • Verbal expression/communication - Task allows for limited verbal communication. Use of automatic words, jargons, and phrases in context are adequate for intelligibility and understanding.
  • Reading/Auditory comprehension - Tasks allow for comprehension of only basic ideas and needs limited in complexity and form, requires the ability to process simple two-step commands.
  • Computation - Tasks require ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Perform basic arithmetic operations with coins and bills.
WORK DEMANDS
Inside, wet, humid, large temperature swings, noisy, odors, hazards, working around others, working in crowded space, quick response, flexible schedule.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Prepares pediatric formula for pediatric unit.
  • Serves on the patient tray line.
  • Checks patient trays for accuracy during meal service.
  • Obtains meal choices and food preferences from patients and/or family members.
  • Deliver food items and formulas to the clinical units.
  • Enter patient's meal selections into the menu system.
  • Remove trash and maintain general kitchen sanitation
  • Follows regulatory guidelines for the safe handling of food, dishware and chemicals.
  • Retrieves all equipment, small wares and trays from assigned floors and brings it back to the dish room to be washed and sanitized correctly.
  • Cleans mobile food cart at the end of every meal.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Possible Shift Times
  • 5:00am-1:30pm
  • 6:00am-2:30pm
  • 9:00am-5:30pm
  • 9:15am-5:45pm

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