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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Perform cleaning duties in dining room, kitchen, serving areas, cafeteria and storerooms as ... The ability to take ownership for associate's safety and the safety of the residents * Must ...

Perform cleaning duties in dining room, kitchen, serving areas, cafeteria and storerooms as ... The ability to take ownership for associate's safety and the safety of the residents * Must ...

Perform cleaning duties in dining room, kitchen, serving areas, cafeteria and storerooms as ... The ability to take ownership for associate's safety and the safety of the residents * Must ...

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Our Retail Managers are responsible for the successful retail/cafeteria operation of Food & Retail ...

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Cafeteria Associate information

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$14

$17

$21

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Silver Spring, MD is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $18.37 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Associate jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Cafeteria Associate jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,085 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

School Food Service Program Assistant Manager/Sous Chef - Year Round

Endeavor Schools

Columbia, MD • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Endeavor Schools rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 24 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

Job Details Build a Career with Meaning and Enhance Your Future Come join us at Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School as Food Service Assistant Manager/Sous Chef. At Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School, our staff brighten children's lives every day while creating a bright future for themselves. We offer a supportive environment for our employees and empower them with the resources they need to create a positive learning environment for our students.

We also help our employees build great careers. With our education incentives and career development programs, we invest in our team to ensure that they thrive. As a Food Service Manager, you will manage all aspects of the school kitchen and ensure the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen.

The Food Service Manager also prepares healthy meals and/or snacks for our students. How We Work for You Competitive pay and benefits Childcare tuition discounts Career development programs Opportunities for advancement Supportive work environment Relocation options at our over 100 schools nationwide. What You Get to Do Ability to create, update and follow the school HACCP plan Knowledge of operations of a school cafeteria Ability to estimate food quantities and requisition proper amounts for economical food service Understanding of basic math and measurements Experience operating standard cafeteria equipment and appliances Ability to maintain records and prepare reports Understanding of sanitation and safety practices related to food preparation and service Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions Ability to work independently with little direction Capable of efficiently delivering food to school locations Proficient in creating and designing menus for meal planning Starting Pay: $21.00 - $24.00/hr depending on education and experience

Are You Qualified. Whether or not you have experience working in schools, you may be qualified to work with us. The most important quality is that you love working with children.

Some of our best educators have come from other fields, including customer service, healthcare, retail, and more. If you have the following, we would love to speak with you: High School or GED equivalent Certificate, Associate, or Bachelor's degree in food service, culinary arts, or related field preferable 2 + years of experience cooking Experience working in a large institution preferable Licenses and Certifications Required ServSafe Certification CPR and First Aid Certification Kitchen Manager License preferred but not required About Endeavor Schools Columbia Academy Elementary and Middle School is part of the Endeavor Schools family. With more than 100 schools in 14 states, Endeavor Schools is one of the nation's fastest-growing education management companies.

We believe that there are many ways for children to learn, and that is why we provide schools with different educational styles and methods across the country. Come be part of a team that prioritizes the success and well-being of our amazing employees. Pay Range USD $21.00 - USD $24.00 /Hr

Endeavor Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply


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