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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Mercer Island, WA · On-site

$18.75/hr

... 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 ...

Benchmark

Kitchen Steward

Seattle, WA

$16 - $21.50/hr

We are committed to creating an environment where associates are respected, supported, and ... the Employee Cafeteria. * Preparing kitchen, and ensuring that adequate chinaware, silverware ...

Benchmark

Cook

Seattle, WA

$16 - $21.25/hr

We are committed to creating an environment where associates are respected, supported, and ... cafeteria, banquet cooking, dining room, and fine dining. If you have a passion for the Culinary ...

Benchmark

Cook

Seattle, WA

$16 - $21.25/hr

We are committed to creating an environment where associates are respected, supported, and ... cafeteria, banquet cooking, dining room, and fine dining. If you have a passion for the Culinary ...

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All JobsCafeteria Associate JobsCafeteria Associate Jobs in Renton, WA

Cafeteria Associate information

See Renton, WA salary details

$15

$18

$23

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Renton, WA is $18.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $20.00 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 Renton, WA?

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

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

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

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

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

Cafeteria Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Renton, 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 $39,263 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (SEASONAL)

Mercer Island, WA • On-site

Chartwells K12
Food Services and Drinking Places • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Chartwells K12external

$18.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepares, presents, and serves food as needed.

  • Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting, and seeding fruits and vegetables, and measures ingredients.

  • Cleans work areas, equipment, and utensils, and ensures food storage and safety procedures are followed.

Chartwells School Dining Services rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 236 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for seasonal FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions.
  • Location: Mercer Island School District - 4160 86th Avenue Southeast, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Seasonal schedule; Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. From September to January. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: A prior food handler certification is preferred.
  • Perks: Willing to train! No nights or weekends!
  • Fixed Pay Rate:  $18.75 per hour.
    *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1566148.

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg


Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!


Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave 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 public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary


Summary:  Prepares, presents and serves food as needed. 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables.
  • Weighs and measures designated ingredients.
  • Carries pans, kettles and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator in accordance with safety standards.
  • Stores food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Cleans work areas, equipment and utensils.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment.
  • Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Serves customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service.
  • Resolves customer concerns and relays relevant information to supervisor.
  • Ensures compliance with company service standards and inventory and cash control procedures.
  • Assures compliance with all sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf will be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods. Business needs may vary from year to year. 

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

What Chartwells School Dining Services employees say

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