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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18 - $22.50/hr

Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor ... Paid time off plans may also be available to associates who qualify. The Retirement 401(k) Program ...

Gift Shop Associate Per Diem

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$22.14 - $35.43/hr

Cafeteria & Gift Shop Discount View a summary of our total rewards available to full and part time benefit eligible EvergreenHealth team members by clicking on the link below. Kirkland Employee ...

Gift Shop Associate Per Diem

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$22.14 - $35.43/hr

Cafeteria & Gift Shop Discount View a summary of our total rewards available to full and part time benefit eligible EvergreenHealth team members by clicking on the link below. Kirkland Employee ...

Line Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18 - $22.50/hr

Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor ... Paid time off plans may also be available to associates who qualify. The Retirement 401(k) Program ...

Line Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$27/hr

Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor ... Paid time off plans may also be available to associates who qualify. The Retirement 401(k) Program ...

Line Cook

Seattle, WA

$18 - $22.50/hr

Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor ... Paid time off plans may also be available to associates who qualify. The Retirement 401(k) Program ...

Line Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18 - $22.50/hr

Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor ... Paid time off plans may also be available to associates who qualify. The Retirement 401(k) Program ...

Line Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18 - $22.50/hr

Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor ... Paid time off plans may also be available to associates who qualify. The Retirement 401(k) Program ...

... 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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Cafeteria Associate information

See Kent, WA salary details

$16

$18

$23

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Kent, WA is $18.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $20.10 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 Kent, WA?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Kent, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Kent, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Kent, WA are:

What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Kent, WA with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Kent, WA 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 $39,405 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

$18 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Highgate Hotels rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 109 rated hotels


Job description

Hourly

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.

With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com


Located on the seam of Belltown and the retail core, the 97-room Kimpton Palladian Hotel is within walking distance of landmarks like Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and Seattle’s best new restaurants, live music venues, cafés, and boutiques. When you’re not exploring, your home base is a 1910 landmark reinvented in a masculine-chic style with luxe amenities, edgy design elements, and contemporary furnishings that reflect Belltown’s hip heritage. You’ll also find a heralded seafood restaurant in Shaker + Spear, a speakeasy-style social lounge called Pennyroyal, and a lobby you won’t soon forget. The Palladian beckons today’s tech titans and tastemakers.


The Line Cook is responsible for preparing all food items, based on standardized recipes, for the Restaurants, Room Service, Employee Cafeteria and Banquets, while maintaining the highest standards to produce an appealing and appetizing product. They are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, sanitation and safety in the kitchen and work areas while minimizing waste and maximizing cost/production ratio.


  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas.
  • Complete necessary food and station preparation prior to the opening of the restaurant in order to ensure that guests are served promptly and efficiently during the Restaurant and Room Service operating hours.
  • Prepare and display buffet food items according to the hotel standards.
  • Recognize quality standards in fresh vegetables, fish, and dairy and meat products.
  • Maintain clean and sanitary environment with knowledge of proper handling, storage, and sanitation.
  • Prepare food for Banquets, ad required, following specifications on Banquet Event Orders.
  • Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
  • Prepare all foods following hotel standard recipes. Preparation of specials will be under the direction of the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
  • Breakdown buffets and kitchen line, storing food and equipment properly at the end of each meal period.
  • Work banquet food station as scheduled by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
  • Know the location and operation of all fire extinguishing equipment.
  • Practice safe work habits at all times to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
  • Use Production Charts as specified by hotel’s standards.
  • Be able to support any position in the Kitchen that is in need of help.
  • Follow all Health Department and Company regulations in regards to food and storage standards and safety.
  • Be able to operate and maintain cleanliness of all kitchen equipment.
  • Maintain a “Clean As You Go” policy.
  • Assist in storage and rotation of food items according to hotel procedures.
  • Sign keys out and back in under supervision as needed.

  • High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
  • Culinary experience required.
  • Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
  • Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
  • Ability to stand during entire shift
  • Ability to withstand temperature variations both hot and cold.
  • Have thorough knowledge of menus and the preparation required, according to hotel standards.
  • Proficiency in the following cooking techniques: charbroiling, poaching, deep-frying, sauté, braising, roasting and par-cooking.
  • Knowledge of herbs and spices and proper use of each.

Benefits 

  • In addition to travel discounts at our hotels, Highgate offers competitive benefits, including three pricing tiers of medical coverage, as well as Dental and Vision benefits to eligible full-time associates.  Paid time off plans may also be available to associates who qualify. The Retirement 401(k) Program is open to both full-time and part-time associates who qualify.
 
Applications will be accepted until 08/18/2026 - 9/4/2026

What Highgate Hotels employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Highgate Hotels

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Highgate Hotels, based in New York, NY, US, is a preeminent real estate investment and hospitality management firm with a substantial presence in the hospitality industry. Founded in the 1980s, Highgate has grown to manage over 160 hotels around the world, providing comprehensive hospitality services including hotel operations, asset management, and project management. Their portfolio includes an array of upscale, luxury, and budget hotels, extending their services across various market segments in the hospitality industry. Highgate commits to its mission of delivering superior returns for owners and investors while providing eclectic experiences for guests.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1988

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