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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Amory, MS (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Tupelo, MS · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/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 ...

All JobsCafeteria Associate JobsCafeteria Associate Jobs in Amory, MS

Cafeteria Associate information

See Amory, MS salary details

$11

$13

$16

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Amory, MS is $13.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $13.85 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 Amory, MS?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Amory, MS are:

What cities near Amory, MS are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Amory, MS with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Cafeteria Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Amory, MS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,149 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

Associate Director of Food and Nutrition Services

Compass Group

Tupelo, MS • On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,092 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

348th of 495 rated business services

Job description

 Salary: $75,000-80,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Relocation Assistance 

Location: Tupelo, MS

Schedule: Monday - Friday, weekends/holidays as needed

Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, is a leader in healthcare food and nutrition services company, serving more than 1,000 hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized dining experiences for patients and in their cafés to advance the healing and healthful missions of its clients. Morrison has been serving some of the nation’s largest health systems for more than 70 years, and it leverages culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise to provide consistency and transform the healthcare experience. Since 2012, Morrison has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work and Training Magazine has named it a Top 125/APEX Award Training Organization. Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually.

Job Summary

This leadership position assists the successful operation of Food & Nutrition Services in an Acute Care Hospital. The Associate Director of Food and Nutritional Services will assist in the responsibility for all foodservice-related activities; including patient care, non-patient care (retail, cafeteria, coffee shop, catering etc), quality improvement, sanitation, infection control and all hospital-related activities. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic entrepreneurial manager who is constantly seeking a better way to conduct business.

 
Key Responsibilities:

The Associate Director assists to ensure client, customer satisfaction and efficient cost effective management. You will direct and conduct safety, sanitation, and maintenance programs; while maintaining excellent relationships with patients and the Client, as well as other departments within the Hospital.  The Associate Director is also responsible for promoting the professional growth and development of their team.  In addition; you will assist in fostering strong inter-departmental relations and integrate the food-service department with the facility plan of operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • B.S. Degree in Food Services Technology/Management or related field; or A.A. Degree plus three (3) years of directly related experience
  • Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of Compass Group experience is preferred - hospital, senior living, higher education, K12 sector experience is preferred
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of direct foodservice operational management experience with inventory and purchasing knowledge and control
  • Strong knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed service experience is desirable
  • Strong supervisory, leadership, management and coaching skills
  • Strong communication skills both written and verbal
  • Excellent financial, budgetary, accounting and computational skills
  • Proficient computer skills required to be successful
  • ServSafe® Certified

Apply to Morrison Healthcare today!

Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Morrison Healthcare are offered many fantastic benefits. 

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1527133

Morrison Healthcare 

STACEY MOONEY 

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