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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Jarrell, TX (NOW HIRING)

Director of Dining Services

Taylor, TX · On-site

$85K - $89K/yr

... cafeteria, catering etc), quality improvement, sanitation, infection control, and all client-related activities. Key Responsibilities: * Manages salaried managers and hourly associates in the Food ...

Cafeteria Associate information

See Jarrell, TX salary details

$13

$16

$20

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Jarrell, TX is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $17.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do lunch ladies get paid?

In North Carolina, cafeteria associates or lunch ladies typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $10 to $14, depending on experience and school district. Salaries may vary based on factors such as location, union agreements, and whether the position is part-time or full-time.

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 are Cafeteria Associates?

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Cafeteria associates typically do not earn $4,000 a week; such high earnings are uncommon in this role. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial truck driving, sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, which may require specialized skills, certifications, or experience. These roles often involve high commissions, bonuses, or overtime to reach that income level.

What is a cafeteria job description?

A cafeteria associate's job description includes preparing and serving food and beverages, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, and providing customer service to students or staff. The role often requires good communication skills, the ability to follow safety and sanitation standards, and may involve operating kitchen equipment or cash registers.

What is a cafe assistant job role?

A cafeteria associate or cafe assistant is responsible for preparing and serving food and beverages, maintaining cleanliness, and providing customer service in a food service environment. They often handle cash registers, stock supplies, and follow health and safety regulations to ensure a clean and efficient operation.

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 Jarrell, TX? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Jarrell, TX are:
What cities near Jarrell, TX are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs? Cities near Jarrell, TX with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Jarrell, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,802 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


St. David's HealthCare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

412th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Are you passionate about the patient experience? At HCA Healthcare, we are committed to caring for patients with purpose and integrity. We care like family! Jump-start your career as an FNS Associate Lead today with St. David's South Austin Medical Center.

Job Summary and Qualifications

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is a direct liaison between Food and Nutrition Services and the Emergency Department. Assists with preparing and delivering patient meal trays. Coordinates with ED associates on current census and patient location. Emphasis on exceptional customer service skills and ability to make quick decision, multitasking and quickly adapt to ever changing patient needs. Preps food items for patient tray line. Assist with meal service in employee cafeteria. Duties include assisting patients with meal service, providing a warm and compassionate experience and coordinating meal service between the Food Service Department and the Emergency Department. Works every other weekend and evening shifts. Delivers Floor Stocks to each department The Food Service Associate Leader will be in charge of department during absence of management. The FSA Lead ensures high quality products, accuracy of orders, timeliness of Patient Meal Delivery, cafeteria service and accurate operation of the cash register following established guidelines for Cash Handling. 


ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. General Duties: 

  • Works directly with patients to ensure 100% satisfaction in food and customer service. 
  • Accessing computer system for patient meal information and ordering. 
  • Prepare patient meal tickets, take meal orders from patients, assist patient in a kind and professional manner. 
  • Prepare all meal trays with complete accuracy. 
  • Accountable for proper tray and food presentation. 
  • Label & date all food items for storage. 
  • Assist in hot and cold food plating. 
  • Delivering Floor Stock items to each department daily according to par sheets. 
  • Clean work station each shift, including beverage machines, dishes, sweeping & mopping. 
  • Dishwashing, including scraping, washing and restocking dishes as needed. 
  • Following proper food safety and occupational safety rules. 

2. Professional Requirements: 

  • Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean. 
  • Completes annual educational requirements. 
  • Wears identification while on duty. 
  • Attends appropriate departmental and committee meetings 

3. Behavioral Requirements: 

  • Takes personal responsibility for own behavior. 
  • Shows creativity in addressing issues rather than defeating attitude. 
  • Demonstrates negotiations/conflict resolution skills. 
  • Maintains appropriate confidentiality. 
  • Accepts accountability for impact of behavior on others. 
  • Willingly volunteers to represent the organization in the community as needed. 
  • Employee is punctual, observes work breaks, and meal periods and has an acceptable overall attendance record. 
  • Demonstrates initiative, including seeking new assignments and assuming additional duties when necessary. 

4. Employee’s conduct must reflect the company’s values and a commitment to the Code of Conduct, ethics and compliance program. 

5. Adheres and upholds all service behaviors as listed in the I CARE value commitment and other departmental initiatives. 

6. Performs other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must be able to demonstrate understanding of HCA’s and St. David’s South Austin Hospital “Patients First” safety initiative by strict compliance to all safety protocols and procedures. Knowledge of quality food production practices. Effective communication skills required. Ability to read and speak English in order to comprehend written instructions and communicate with patients & staff. Good customer service skills are necessary. Maintains a working telephone or agreed upon alternate form of communication. Must work well independently, be time efficient and able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, able to lift 30-40 pounds, have basic math and reading skills and be mentally alert. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Required: Minimum of two years food service experience. 
  • Preferred: High School diploma/GED. Formal training and/or education in food service production and/or management. Education and/or experience in institutional cooking. Prior supervisory experience. 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: 

  • Required:Current Williamson County Health Department Food Handlers Card. 


Benefits

St. David's South Austin Medical Center, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

St. David's South Austin Medical Center, is a 368‑bed acute care hospital within St. David’s HealthCare, offering comprehensive specialty and sub‑specialty services. Key programs include a nationally accredited oncology program featuring the region’s only adult Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program; a Level II trauma center; advanced cardiac, stroke, and orthopedic services; full‑service maternity and newborn care; and four community emergency centers in Bee Cave and Bastrop.


The facility is affiliated with the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery, providing advanced robotic capabilities for orthopedics, open heart and lung procedures, complex GI surgery, surgical oncology, general and colorectal surgery, and urology. It was also among the first hospitals in Central Texas to integrate CT imaging with robotics for early lung cancer detection.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.


"The great hospitals will always put the patient and the patient's family first, and the really great institutions will provide care with warmth, compassion, and dignity for the individual."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our FNS Associate Lead opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.


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