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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER

TX · On-site

$11/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 ...

Compass Group

LINE SERVER (FULL TIME)

Houston, TX

$18.94/hr

Prior patient line or cafeteria culinary experience is preferred. * Pay Range: $16.50 per hour to ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

HEI Hotels & Resorts

Engineer

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$25/hr

Daily our associates enjoy a free meals in our spacious associate cafeteria. Monthly we have a Town Hall meeting celebrating our associates, special delights from our Chef, and prizes. Join our ...

Mission Hospital

CT Technologist Reg PRN

Conroe, TX · On-site

... cafeteria trays. What qualifications you will need: * Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date * (ARRT-R) Radiography * Associate Degree must be obtained ...

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Cafeteria Associate information

See Spring, TX salary details

$12

$14

$18

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Spring, TX is $14.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $15.82 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 Spring, TX? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Spring, TX are:
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Spring, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Spring, TX are:
What cities near Spring, TX are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs? Cities near Spring, TX with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:
Cafeteria Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Spring, TX as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,062 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Sous Chef - K12 Food Service, Houston, TX

Sous Chef - K12 Food Service, Houston, TX

Chartwells K12

Houston, TX • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Chartwells School Dining Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 223 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 64 rated caterers

Job description

Salary:  $75,000-$75,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, 401K, PTO 

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 4,500 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

We are seeking an inspirational, kid‑focused Sous Chef to lead culinary operations across our growing K‑12 food service programs in the Houston, TX market. In this role, you’ll drive high‑quality, nutritious meals that appeal to diverse student populations while maintaining strong standards in food safety, consistency, and execution. Reporting to a Director of Dining Services, you’ll provide hands‑on leadership, mentoring frontline teams and bringing creativity, energy, and a strong sense of ownership to the program.

This opportunity is ideal for a self‑starter who thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment and enjoys working with students and developing strong teams. You’ll help elevate the dining experience through innovation, support key initiatives like Discovery Kitchen and annual cookoffs, and manage food cost and inventory with a focus on excellence. Best of all, this role offers outstanding work‑life balance with a Monday–Friday, 7 AM–4 PM schedule, giving you the chance to lead and grow—while still enjoying life outside the kitchen.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assists in coordinating and participating in the preparation and cooking of various food items.
  • Assists with planning and creating menus.
  • Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary team.
  • Assists with managing cost controls and controlling expenditure.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • 5 years of related culinary experience including 1 year at the management level.
  • Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or related food service operations.
  • Knowledge of food and industry trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, safety, food cost controls, and presentation.
  • Ability to set up and distribute production sheets.
  • Supervisory, leadership, training, management, and coaching skills.
  • ServSafe or Department of Health Certification is preferred.
  • Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products including Excel.
  • Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts is preferred. 

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

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. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

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

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

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/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

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

Req ID:  1535017

Chartwells K12 

KRISTEN STROHMYER

 [[req_classification]] 

What Chartwells School Dining Services employees say

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About Chartwells School DIning Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Oak Park, MI, US

View All Chartwells School DIning Services Jobs