1

Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Romeoville, IL (NOW HIRING)

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$15 - $18.25/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 ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... This role oversees food production for patient meal services, the cafeteria, coffee shop, and ...

Front Desk Agent (flexible)

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Free meals for our associates in our cafeteria Here is what you will be doing each day: As a Front Desk Agent, you would be responsible for greeting and registering guests and checking guests out of ...

Free meals for our associates in our cafeteria Here is what you will be doing each day: In this role as Bartender, you will serve beverages and/or food to the guests in a friendly, courteous, and ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... This role oversees food production for patient meal services, the cafeteria, coffee shop, and ...

Free meals for our associates in our cafeteria Here is what you will be doing each day: As a Front Desk Agent, you would be responsible for greeting and registering guests and checking guests out of ...

New

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... This role oversees food production for patient meal services, the cafeteria, coffee shop, and ...

Our Retail Managers are responsible for the successful retail/cafeteria operation of Food & Retail ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/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 ...

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL

$16 - $20.50/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 ...

HELPER COOK

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/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 ...

HELPER COOK (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$16 - $20.50/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Cafeteria Associate information

See Romeoville, IL salary details

$14

$17

$21

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Romeoville, IL is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $18.12 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 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 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 cities near Romeoville, IL are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Romeoville, IL with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Romeoville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,590 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Compass Group

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 492 rated business services


Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full time and part time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY positions.
  • Location: Community High School District - 4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time and part time schedules; Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior food service experience is preferred.
  • Perks: Will train, no nights or weekends, PTO, and a meal!
  • Pay Range:  $17.00 per hour to $18.00 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 1560032.

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:  Maintains kitchen work areas, and keeps equipment and utensils clean and orderly.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Sweeps and mops floors to comply with safety and sanitation standards.
  • Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces.
  • Removes trash and places it into designated containers. Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans.
  • Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas.
  • Assists with banquet table and front of the house set up.
  • Assist with loading or unloading and delivering supplies and product.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment as needed.
  • Complies with outlined 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 Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom