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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Cafeteria Associate information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$13

$15

$19

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Decatur, AL is $15.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $16.68 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 Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Cafeteria Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Decatur, AL 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 $32,723 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Cafeteria Aide

Automation Personnel Services

Huntsville, AL

$14/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

FULL/ PART TIME HOSPITALITY ASSISTANT 
Automation Personnel Services is seeking a customer-focused and dependable Hospitality Assistant for a company based in Huntsville, AL. In this role, you will have the opportunity to build valuable hospitality and customer service skills while working in a welcoming, team-oriented environment that offers hands-on experience, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.

Pay Rate 
Part time $14.00 with $2.50 shift differential 
Full time $14.00 

Schedule and Hours 
Full time assistants must be available to work shifts starting as early as 5:30AM.
Part time assistants must be available to work 3:00PM- 7:30PM
Both Full/ Part time Assistants must be available to work any day of the week including weekend and holidays.

Hospitality Assistant Duties and Responsibilities
  • Delivers meals to patients within ten minutes of food cart arriving to floor and identifies each patient using two patient identifiers. 
  • Identifies each patient by asking name and date of birth before serving food.
  • Greets each patient according to customer service standards and offers individualized assistance with meal tray, receiving no complaints from patients or staff.
  • Appropriately handles all off-schedule trays, discharged patient trays, guest trays, courtesy trays and isolation trays while following universal precautions.
  • Retrieves trays for designated patients within 2 hours after serving tray.
  • Delivers nourishments to patients in timely manner.
  • Delivers floor stock items to each department in a timely manner. 
  • Ensure cleaning assignments are completed daily and signed off on. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 
Hospitality Assistant Qualifications and Requirements
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills required. 
  • Must be knowledgeable of and able to follow the standards of federal, state and regulatory agencies and JCAHO for sanitation, food preparation and handling
  • Must be able to properly identify patients and maintain confidentiality.
  • Must be able to move in a fast place environment.
  • Must be able to walk long distances frequently throughout the shift while maintaining productivity and adhering to safety standards.
  • Must possess strong attention to detail to accurately prepare and deliver meal trays in accordance with each patient's prescribed dietary requirements and restrictions.
 
Job Type 
Temporary to permanent 

Benefits 
  • Weekly Pay
  • Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance
  • 40 Hours Service Bonus after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours
  • 6 paid Holidays after 1 year of continuous service and 1500 hours
401(k) Retirement Plan
Automation Personnel Services is the only staffing agency specializing in manufacturing and industrial roles that offers 401(k) matching to all eligible contingent and temporary associates.

Click Apply Now to submit your application or call us at 256.533.5627 to learn more. You can also apply in person at our office located at 

Automation Personnel Services Huntsville Branch
7696 Highway 72 W Suite 340
Madison, AL 35758

Bonus Opportunity!
We are also offering a $50.00 referral bonus. Both employee and referral must stay on assignment for 30 days to receive the payout.

About Automation Personnel Services
Automation Personnel Services is a highly recognized staffing agency with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Our accolades include:
  • 11-time consecutive winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award (2016-2026).
  • Winner of the ClearlyRated
Automation Personnel Services logo

About Automation Personnel Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Automation Personnel Services is an award-winning staffing agency with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and light-industrial staffing. Automation Personnel Services is the winner of the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Talent Award in 2019-2022, and the ClearlyRated® Best of Staffing Client Award for seven straight years, 2016-2022. Automation Personnel Services is also the recipient of the Safety Standard of Excellence Award by the American Staffing Association.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1990

Social media

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