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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

North Carolina Jobs

Teacher Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Associate's Degree or 2 years (min. 48 semester hrs.) of higher education Computer Skills Must be ... Supervise students in the cafeteria, playground, buses, bathrooms and other areas on and off school ...

North Carolina Jobs

Kindergarten Teacher Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Associate's Degree or 2 years (min. 48 semester hrs.) of higher education Computer Skills Must be ... Supervise students in the cafeteria, playground, buses, bathrooms and other areas on and off school ...

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Cafeteria Associate information

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How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Raleigh, NC is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A Cafeteria Associate typically earns less than $3,000 per month, but some jobs that can reach this income level without a degree include commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, and certain skilled trades like HVAC technicians or electricians. These roles often require on-the-job training, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:
Cafeteria Associate jobs near you
CNS Manager (401-800 Participation)

CNS Manager (401-800 Participation)

Wake County Public School System

Fuquay Varina, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Wake County Public School System rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 546 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

CNS MANAGER

 

WORKING TITLE

CNS Manager

 

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Child Nutrition Services (CNS)

 

LOCATION

School Site

 

PAY GRADE

(0-400 Participation)-Noncertified Grade 19

(401-800 Participation)-Noncertified Grade 20

(801-1000 Participation)-Noncertified Grade 21

(1001-1400 Participation)-Noncertified Grade 22

(1401-1800 Participation)-Noncertified Grade 23

(Multi-campus or Floating)-Noncertified Grade 24

 

FLSA STATUS

Nonexempt

 

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

 

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (varies based on school assignment) Position not eligible for hybrid telework workweek

 

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides direct financial and program management of a school cafeteria in the areas of supervision, food production, customer service, cash handling, and inventory.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

  • Considerable knowledge of child nutrition laws, policies, and procedures;

  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;

  • Effective time management skills;

  • Excellent customer service skills;

  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;

  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations required for completion of records and reports;

  • Ability to read, interpret, and administer detailed instructions, schedules, and recipes in large quantities;

  • Ability to demonstrate appropriate food production skills;

  • Ability to work independently and make critical decisions without close supervision;

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, and the community.

 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or equivalent;

  • Two years of food service and/or management experience.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be ServSafe Certified or able to become ServSafe Certified within 90 days and maintain certification

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associates degree from an accredited college or university;

  • Successfully completion of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) CNS Manager Trainee program;

  • Institutional food management experience.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manages the School Nutrition Program in compliance with all federal, state, local and WCPSS policies and procedures.

  • Implements and adheres to WCPSS employee handbook and child nutrition personnel and uniform standards.

  • Completes, files, and retains all records relating to the child nutrition operation to include breakfast, lunch, and snack production, cash sheets, inventories, purchasing, and invoice records, employee records and time sheets, monthly reports, and all other reports required.

  • Maintains food cost control through planning, forecasting, ordering and receiving, as needed; Checks the cost and quality of items received and ensures proper storage.

  • Supervises all CNS employees in assigned program and assists in selection, as needed.

  • Trains and evaluates employees in all aspects of the child nutrition program including proper methods of food, preparation, serving, equipment care, storage, and sanitation and conducts school level cafeteria staff meetings.

  • Prepares a daily work schedule and cleaning schedule for all CNS employees including amounts of food to prepare and records and task to complete.

  • Maintains food safety and sanitation procedures including employee cleanliness and food handling, receiving, storage, preparation and cooling; Monitors temperature records of refrigerated equipment, freezers, and dry food storage areas.

  • Reports all accidents and monitors employee health to protect the public against disease.

  • Follows established internal fiscal controls and accountability, including proper cash handling procedures and making daily fund deposits.

  • Manages the use and care of small and large equipment.

  • Completes all required training including annual WCPSS manager training and the annual required USDA Professional Development hours. 

  • Promotes healthy school nutrition and demonstrates effective public relations.

  • Creates an atmosphere in the cafeteria, which results in increased percentage of student and adult meal participation.

  • Performs other related duties, as assigned. 

    •  

    WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    This position operates in an office and school cafeteria environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, and the community. Work is considered heavy physical work, requiring the exertion of a minimum of 50 pounds of force. This position requires lifting with the use of a ladder in high places and lifting heavy items from a stooping position. Work with hands in hot water and chemicals approved for use in the School Nutrition Program operation is requires. Must be able to enter into extremely cold temperatures required for stocking and managing inventory.

     

    EFFECTIVE DATE:  2/2026

     

    DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

    What Wake County Public School System employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom

    Wake County Public Schools logo

    About Wake County Public Schools

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

    Industry

    Education

    Company size

    201 - 500 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Cary, NC, US

    Year founded

    1976

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