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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Shelbyville, IN · On-site

$13.50/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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Shelbyville, IN · 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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Brownstown, IN · On-site

$16.25/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 ...

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All JobsCafeteria Associate JobsCafeteria Associate Jobs in Columbus, IN

Cafeteria Associate information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$13

$15

$19

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Columbus, IN is $15.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $16.54 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 Columbus, IN? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Columbus, IN are:
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Columbus, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Columbus, IN are:
What cities near Columbus, IN are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs? Cities near Columbus, IN with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:
Cafeteria Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Columbus, IN 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 $32,464 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Food Services Assistant (61678)

Adams & Associates, Inc.

Edinburgh, IN • On-site

$17.20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Food Services Assistant
Atterbury Job Corps Center Edinburgh, IN
Prep with care. Serve with pride. Keep the kitchen running.
Are you hands-on, hardworking, and take pride in a job well done? At Atterbury Job Corps, our Food Services Assistants keep the kitchen and cafeteria running smoothly - helping prepare meals, maintain a clean and sanitary environment, and deliver great service to students every day.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Assist in the preparation of food for meals
  • Transfer food, supplies, and equipment between storage areas, the kitchen, and the cafeteria
  • Wash, peel, and core fruits and vegetables as needed
  • Set up and take down tables and chairs
  • Scrape, wash, and store dishes, pots, pans, and utensils
  • Clean and sanitize the kitchen, cafeteria, and food storage areas, including refrigerators, stoves, ovens, and other equipment
  • Sweep, mop, wax, and strip floors as needed
  • Degrease and sanitize vent screens and filters
  • May supervise Work-Based Learning students assigned to the department
  • Provide superior customer service at all times

WHAT YOU BRING
  • 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)
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds and perform physical tasks including standing, climbing, walking, pulling/pushing, carrying, reaching, stooping, and crouching, or ability to assess lift load and request assistance as needed

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
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 §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic 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 race, color, religion, sex, national origin, 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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