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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

... line, cafeteria service and stocking of patient floors with all food service staff on duty ... Associates or bachelor's degree in culinary arts, Foodservice Management or Dietetics. EEO/M/F/D/V

Dishwasher

Madison, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Supporting associate cafeteria operations, including setup, breakdown, stocking, and inventory of paper goods * Preparing hot and cold food items for associate meals according to menus and recipes

Engage and meet with business unit leaders and associates developing relationships, trust and ... Depending on your location, we may provide a stipend that can be used at our on-site cafeteria or a ...

Engage and meet with business unit leaders and associates developing relationships, trust and ... Depending on your location, we may provide a stipend that can be used at our on-site cafeteria or a ...

Dishwasher

Madison, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Supporting associate cafeteria operations, including setup, breakdown, stocking, and inventory of paper goods * Preparing hot and cold food items for associate meals according to menus and recipes

Supporting associate cafeteria operations, including setup, breakdown, stocking, and inventory of paper goods * Preparing hot and cold food items for associate meals according to menus and recipes

Dishwasher

Madison, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Supporting associate cafeteria operations, including setup, breakdown, stocking, and inventory of paper goods * Preparing hot and cold food items for associate meals according to menus and recipes

Supporting associate cafeteria operations, including setup, breakdown, stocking, and inventory of paper goods * Preparing hot and cold food items for associate meals according to menus and recipes

Dishwasher

Madison, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Supporting associate cafeteria operations, including setup, breakdown, stocking, and inventory of paper goods * Preparing hot and cold food items for associate meals according to menus and recipes

Showing results 21-40

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.

Supervisor -Food Services 1.0 FTE, Day/PM Shift

UnityPoint Health-Meriter

Madison, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Shift: Monday-Friday with 1130AM-8PM, Every 4th weekend. Some holidays
This Supervisor position directly supervises food service workers, assistant cooks, cooks in a kitchen environment (union and classified). This position is responsible for hiring, scheduling, evaluating, training and formal discipline recommendations. In addition, this position is responsible for all activity within the department with emphasis on patient service, but including supervision of tray line, cafeteria service and stocking of patient floors with all food service staff on duty. Supervisor may also be responsible for food safety compliance, inventory and managing floor stock in patient care kitchens, refrigerators. This position will also have the responsibility of supervising the entire department on weekends and holidays. The supervisor is responsible for researching, testing and developing new recipes/new menus in conjunction with the cooks. They oversee food production meets budgetary requirements as well as meets health, sanitation and quality standards. 
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in.Here are just a few:   
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   
With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  
And we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 
Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Education: 
  • High School diploma or equivalent
License/Certification:
  • ServSafe Certification (must obtain within 1 year)
Experience:
  • 2-5 years Food service experience 
  • 1- 3 years Supervisor or lead role experience
Preferred: 
  • Associates or bachelor's degree in culinary arts, Foodservice Management or Dietetics.

EEO/M/F/D/V