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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Optical Sales Associate

Portage, WI · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Part-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Portage, WI. On ... Voluntary/Cafeteria Offerings * Employee Assistance Program * On the Job Training & Certification

Optical Sales Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Madison, WI. On ... Voluntary/Cafeteria Offerings * Employee Assistance Program * On the Job Training & Certification

Optical Sales Associate

Janesville, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Janesville, WI ... Voluntary/Cafeteria Offerings * Employee Assistance Program * On the Job Training & Certification

Optical Sales Associate

Watertown, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Watertown, WI. On ... Voluntary/Cafeteria Offerings * Employee Assistance Program * On the Job Training & Certification

Optical Sales Associate

Portage, WI · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Portage, WI. On ... Voluntary/Cafeteria Offerings * Employee Assistance Program * On the Job Training & Certification

PT Optical Sales Associate

Whitewater, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Part-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Whitewater, WI ... Voluntary/Cafeteria Offerings * Employee Assistance Program * On the Job Training & Certification

Credit Specialist

Middleton, WI · On-site

$50K - $54K/yr

Enjoy an on-site cafeteria with affordable breakfast and lunch options. * Gain exposure to ... Associate or bachelor's degree highly desired. #INAUG2026

Credit Specialist

Middleton, WI · On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

Access an on-site cafeteria offering affordable breakfast and lunch options. * Gain exposure to ... Associate degree preferred, though relevant experience will be considered.

Our Associate SEM Analysts support paid media initiatives. What You'll Do As an Associate SEM ... Depending on your location, we may provide a stipend that can be used at our on-site cafeteria or a ...

Our Associate SEM Analysts support paid media initiatives. What You'll Do As an Associate SEM ... Depending on your location, we may provide a stipend that can be used at our on-site cafeteria or a ...

Our Associate SEM Analysts support paid media initiatives. What You'll Do As an Associate SEM ... Depending on your location, we may provide a stipend that can be used at our on-site cafeteria or a ...

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Cafeteria Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$14

$16

$20

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Madison, WI is $16.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $17.93 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 popular job titles related to Cafeteria Associate jobs in Madison, WI?

For Cafeteria Associate jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,172 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Cafeteria Instructional Assistant (Part Time)

Sun Prairie Area School District

Sun Prairie, WI

$19.60/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Sun Prairie Area School District rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 635 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Hourly Rate: $19.60+ (based on experience)
This position is part time, 3 hours per day (10:30 am - 1:30 pm), Monday through Friday, during the school year.  See attached work calendar for exact work dates.  This position comes with paid time off. 
Summary 
The purpose of this position is to provide the best academic and social/emotional environment to ensure learning for all students in all school settings, including classroom and playground.  To create a learning experience that maximizes the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of the students and helps them to learn to problem solve. To supervise students ensuring their safety and well-being on the playground, bus area, cafeteria, classrooms, and transitional spaces before, during, and after school.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.







  • Supervises students on the playground, cafeteria, classrooms and other areas before, during and after school.
  • Maintains safe environments before, during and after school in structured and non-structured settings understanding individual student intervention strategies including IEPs.
  • Oversees the cafeteria during breakfast and lunch, following state sanitation regulations and monitoring student food allergies and food safety.
  • Communicates with parents and students during drop off and pick up to ensure a safe and orderly environment during transitions.
  • Assisting students in identifying actions and consequences and ways to resolve conflicts and solve problems, intervening when students' actions are potentially harmful or dangerous.
  • Makes a personal connection with students demonstrating that they are caring adults who will listen and facilitate other internal and external interventions as needed.
  • Provides consistency for students as a trusted adult doing daily check-in and check-out taking the time to listen and make positive connections with students.
  • Model Positive Behavior Instructional Support (PBIS) with students and participates in PBIS planning teams as requested.
  • Analyze, develop, and share school wide efforts on PBIS initiatives using school wide data to drive decision making and modify interventions.
  • Collaborate with other school personnel regarding student achievement, classroom instruction and behavioral expectations.
  • Provides supplemental academic interventions as directed by the teachers for students in large group, small group instruction, and one-on-one settings.
  • Focused on assigned grade levels and are required to learn and be confident in the curriculum of that grade level to support student's academic needs.
  • Provides classroom coverage during periods when teachers are not present.
  • Provides instructional support to students during academic blocks.
  • Supports, schedules and proctors state and local district assessments.
  • Provide basic first aid to students; distribute medications as needed; contact parents of sick or injured students; maintain injury logs and participate in appropriate training sessions, such as blood borne pathogens, medical skill training, CPR, first aid, etc.
  • Performs various duties to assist teachers including copying, filing, data entry, correcting papers, laminating, binding, preparing materials, and other projects as needed.
  • Scans student meal accounts during breakfast and lunch.
  • Maintains confidentiality of student records.
  • Prepares materials and participates in activities to support the beginning of the school year.
  • Provides back up to other support positions within the school setting.
  • Determines indoor and outdoor recess following district policies and procedures.
  • Monitor outside equipment and environment and notify facilities and grounds when repairs are needed.
  • Scans environment with an eye for potential hazards.
  • Other activities as assigned

Minimum Training and Experience Required To Perform Essential Job Functions
Must meet the following NCLB standards for this position.  (1) Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education, (2) obtained an associate's degree (or higher) or (3) be able to demonstrate through a formal assessment, the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics.  Must be willing to attend the following district workshops: Above the Line, Play works playground Workshop, Reading, writing and math instructional strategies, PBIS training, First Aid, CPR/AED training, code training, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.  Must possess a valid driver's license.
Minimum Physical and Mental Abilities Required To Perform Essential Job Functions
Physical Requirements




  • Provide classroom and individual student behavioral support and associated record keeping as needed including data entry.
  • Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including photocopier, laminating machine, paper cutter, die cut, binder, scanner, computer, printer, etc.
  • Must have current physical on file with the District Office certifying applicant is able to meet all job qualifications.
  • Ability to stand, walk, talk, hear; lift, transfer, move from floor to standing quickly and otherwise assist students.
  • Ability to stand/walk on uneven surfaces with changing conditions outdoors (grass, hills, playground mulch, paved areas, etc.).

Mathematical Ability

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate decimals, fractions and percentages.
  • Ability to understand and use district math curriculum, math language, and manipulatives for grades Kindergarten through 5th grade.

 Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

  • Ability to comprehend, interpret and/or prepare a variety of documents, including attendance reports, enrollment reports, disciplinary reports, etc. tests and instructional materials, confidential files, health cards, computer manuals, student/parent handbook, purchase orders, etc. using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak and to do so with expression.
  • Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
  • Ability to make fast decisions, recognizes early signs of negative behavior, and remains calm when re-directing students.
  • Ability to problem solve, use professional judgment and maintain confidentiality of information concerning students and staff.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with professional educators, colleagues, students, parents, administrators, sales representatives, delivery persons, police officers, School Board members, nurses, transportation representatives, the general public, and others verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to engage students in culturally responsive, positive working relationships that demonstrate to students that staff members are helpful, caring adults.

Environmental Adaptability

  • Ability to work effectively outdoors and in a classroom environment.
  • Navigate through adverse weather and external environmental conditions.



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