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Cafeteria Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cafeteria Cook

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Cafeteria Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Cafeteria Cook

Stowe, VT · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

We are seeking a dedicated Cafeteria Cook to join our team and support daily operations in our colleague cafeteria. This role involves preparing high-quality meals for hot and cold buffets ...

Cafeteria Cook Location: MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY - 96589001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Cafeteria Cook

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Cafeteria Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPENAVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time Pay ...

The Cafeteria Cook are responsible for preparing and cooking food for our Employee Dining Room. Duties include prepping vegetables, fruits, breads and meats to make and cook deli-style items, buffet ...

Cafeteria Cook Location: EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY - 10481013 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Cafeteria Cook Location: SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY - 54665001 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Cafeteria Cook

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Cafeteria Cook Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

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Cafeteria Cook

Miami, FL · On-site

$18/hr

The Miccosukee Indian School is looking for a highly motivated, hard-working, and dedicated cook ... and cafeteria, maintaining and cleaning the kitchen and equipment, and washing dishes. The ...

As a Cafeteria Cook, you will get the opportunity to cook and create a relaxing and well-organized dining environment for our Team Members, one where the tables are clean, dirty dishes are promptly ...

Cafeteria Cook

Boston, MA · On-site

$25/hr

Cafeteria Cook Ubicación: MERCK, BOSTON - 69938001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Weekdays - morning shifts. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de entrevista. Tipo de empleo: Full-time ...

Cafeteria Cook Ubicación: MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY - 96589001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso ...

Cafeteria Cook Ubicación: SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY - 54665001 Días de trabajo/turnos: ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de ...

Cafeteria Cook Ubicación: EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY - 10481013 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el ...

Cafeteria Cook Ubicación: SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY - 54665001 Días de trabajo/turnos: ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de ...

Cafeteria Cook Ubicación: MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY - 96589001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso ...

Cafeteria Cook Ubicación: EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY - 10481013 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el ...

Showing results 21-40

Cafeteria COOK information

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$15

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How much do cafeteria cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria cook in the United States is $15.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectCafeteria CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler's Permit, culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentSchool, hospital, or institutional cafeteriasRestaurant kitchen, fast-paced environment
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, or institutional sectorsHospitality, restaurant industry
Job FocusPreparing large quantities of simple, standardized mealsPreparing specific dishes quickly and efficiently

While both Cafeteria Cooks and Line Cooks prepare food in kitchen settings, Cafeteria Cooks focus on large-scale, standardized meal preparation in institutional environments, whereas Line Cooks work in restaurants preparing individual dishes in a fast-paced setting. The roles require similar certifications but differ in work environment and daily tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Cook, you need expertise in food preparation, kitchen safety, and knowledge of nutrition, usually backed by a high school diploma or equivalent and food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and inventory management systems is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard, supporting both customer satisfaction and kitchen operations.

What is a cafeteria cook?

Cafeteria cooks are food service professionals who prepare and cook meals in cafeterias, often found in schools, hospitals, businesses, or other institutions. They typically follow set menus and recipes, cook large quantities of food, and ensure meals are ready for designated serving times. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining kitchen cleanliness, managing inventory, and adhering to food safety standards. Cafeteria cooks usually work as part of a team and may have early morning or daytime shifts. Their work helps ensure that large groups of people receive nutritious and timely meals.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria cooks and how can they be managed?

Cafeteria cooks often work in fast-paced environments where they need to prepare large quantities of food within tight timeframes. Managing multiple orders and dietary restrictions, maintaining food safety standards, and coordinating with other kitchen staff can be challenging. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and staying organized are essential for success. Many cafeterias also offer ongoing training to help cooks stay updated on food safety protocols and new menu items.
More about Cafeteria COOK jobs
What cities are hiring for Cafeteria Cook jobs? Cities with the most Cafeteria Cook job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Cafeteria Cook jobs? The top employers for Cafeteria Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Cafeteria Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Cafeteria Cook jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Cook jobs? For Cafeteria Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,861 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Cafeteria Cook

Sodexo

Johnson City, TN • On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 1,140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 485 rated business services


Job description

Cafeteria Cook 


Location: #la-location_name

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $14 - $16

#la-school_shift_benefit

#la-international_student_english


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 


What You'll Do:As a Cafeteria Cook at Sodexo, you will be responsible for accurately and efficiently preparing, portioning, cooking, and presenting a variety of hot and cold food items for all meal periods and events in accordance with Sodexo's culinary standards for quality, presentation, and consistency. Working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, this position ensures all food products are prepared safely, accurately, and efficiently while maintaining a clean and organized workstation. The Cook I supports Sodexo's commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience by delivering high-quality dishes, contributing to effective kitchen teamwork, and upholding the highest standards of food safety and sanitation. Responsibilities may vary by account based on business needs and client requirements, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. 


Responsibilities include:  

  • Prepare food in accordance with current applicable federal, state and corporate standards, guidelines, and regulations to ensure high-quality food service is provided. 
  • Follow basic recipes and/or product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, tasting, carving, and serving soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, and other foodstuffs for consumption in eating establishments.  
  • Taste products, read menus, estimate food requirements, check production, and keep records to accurately plan production requirements and requisition supplies and equipment.  
  • Significant walking or other means of mobility. 
  • Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time, throughout the entire duration of a shift, which may exceed 8 hours.  
  • Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull, and frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift/move 50 pounds. 
  • Ability to perform repetitive motions. 
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity 
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements. 


What You Bring:  

  • High School diploma, GED or equivalent experience.  
  • 0 to 2 years of related work experience. 
  • Knowledge of basic operation of equipment and food-handling procedures preferred. 
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. 
  • Good working knowledge of food preparation.  
  • Requires familiarity of kitchen equipment.  
  • Must be able to read and follow a recipe unsupervised. 

Link to full Job description 


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life's important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family's wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more.
  • In addition to Sodexo's standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free "shift" meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking.


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo's benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form. 




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