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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Lexington, SC (NOW HIRING)

... 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 Lexington, SC salary details

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How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Lexington, SC is $14.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $15.24 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 Lexington, SC?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Lexington, SC are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Lexington, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Lexington, SC are:

What cities near Lexington, SC are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Lexington, SC with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Lexington, SC 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 $29,878 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Nutrition Associate

Lexington Medical Center (SC)

West Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Lexington Medical Center rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 105 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

506th of 1,061 rated hospitals


Job description

Job Summary

The Nutrition Associate performs a variety of food preparation duties such as preparing foods, as well as maintaining and cleaning kitchen work areas, equipment, and utensils. Serves food to patients, staff, and visitors. Areas of coverage vary depending location assigned, and roles include assisting with retail functions, patient room service, catering, and utility sanitation.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: None.
Minimum Years of Experience: None.
Substitutable Education & Experience: None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: None.
Required Training: Strong work ethic and desire to provide outstanding customer service;
Ability to understand and follow both written and oral instructions;
Knowledge of and ability to solve simple mathematical problems;
Must be able to handle a fast paced, diverse work environment with high expectations;
Must anticipate guests needs and be able to handle potential problems that may arise in a satisfactory manner;
Professional attitude and tact.

Essential Functions
  • Responsibilities will vary depending on job assignments and skill set needed to complete assigned task.
  • Demonstrates appropriate communication of information to all age and respond to all customer/patients requests and needs, i.e., hard of hearing, etc.
  • Demonstrates appropriate communication skills by following the chain of command: Supervisor, Manager and Director etc.
  • Employs the proper sanitary procedures required in the preparation and serving of all food items for the cafeterias and all others areas.
  • Completes daily cleaning duties to maintain a sanitary and safe working environment. Ensures that all trash is disposed of properly.
  • Wear proper uniform and all necessary safety apparel as specified by department policy.
  • Must be able to work in a fast paced and diverse department as a team player.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Maintain an optimistic and professional image and excellent customer relations to patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers. Shows courtesy, compassion, and respect. Conforms to Service Excellence policy and Departmental policies.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.
  • Utility:               
    • Prepares dishmachines for use.         
    • Maintains dishroom during meal periods.        
    • Delivers and picks up patient tray carts from patient units, noting times on appropriate  form. Helps in the cleanup of carts.         
    • Keeps pot sink organized and in order.        
    • Cleans floors, equipment, walls, etc.         
    • Maintains an optimistic and professional image and exhibits excellent customer relations to patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers. Shows courtesy, compassion,   and respect. Conforms to Service Excellence Policy and Departmental policies.    
    • Demonstrates appropriate communication of information to all ages and responds to all customers/patients requests and needs, i.e., hard of hearing, etc.
  • Retail:               
    • Operates cash register during meal hours.        
    • Totals and verifies all money, adhering to cash handler's agreement.    
    • Supplies and maintains accurate levels of products in cafeteria.     
    • Prepares and gather all food items, setup and work on the cafeteria line, grill and deli, serve customers quickly and courteously.
  • RSA:               
    • Responsibilities can range from expediting (checking) patient trays to starting patient  trays, prepping food for patients, assembling trays, delivering patient trays, and so on.  
    • May be asked to work interdepartmentally depending on needs of the department.
  • Catering:              
    • Organizes, prepares, delivers and breakdown all hospital catered functions. Must be an excellent champion of Service Expectations policy.   
    • Maintains records of all functions to include number served, amount of food prepared/used, and other supplies used.         
    • Employs proper sanitary procedures to prepare, assemble, and deliver catered meals.              
    • May assist interdepartmentally if catering is slow.

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