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Cafeteria Cook Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Upshift

Cafeteria Server

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Upshift is looking for Cafeteria Servers for flexible shifts. • Pick when and where you want to ... cook, warehouse associate, package handler, picker, packer, assembler, labeller, sorter. Q: Do I ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Cook

Middleville, MI

$14.35 - $17.93/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Cook

Middleville, MI · On-site

$14.35 - $17.93/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Cook

Middleville, MI · On-site

$14.35 - $17.93/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Cook

Middleville, MI · On-site

$14.35 - $17.93/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Cook

Middleville, MI · On-site

$14.35 - $17.93/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Head Cook

Middleville, MI · On-site

$15.21 - $19.01/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Head Cook

Middleville, MI · On-site

$15.21 - $19.01/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Head Cook

Middleville, MI

$15.21 - $19.01/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Head Cook

Middleville, MI · On-site

$15.21 - $19.01/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Head Cook

Middleville, MI · On-site

$15.21 - $19.01/hr

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); one to three months restaurant or cafeteria cooking experience, or related cooking volume experience and/or training; or equivalent combination ...

Mixed Staffing and Recruiting

Cook

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

... and cafeteria activities, and keeps a clean and safe environment. \n Requirements \n \n High School Diploma or Equivalent \n \n \n Valid state driver's license, CPR\/ First Aid Certifications \n \n ...

Hurley Medical Center

Senior Cook

Flint, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Prepares and cooks the more difficult and specialized food dishes. Participates in quality ... Works under the direct supervision of the Cafeteria/Catering Manager or Food Service Supervisor or ...

Hurley Medical Center

Senior Cook

Flint, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Works under the direct supervision of the Cafeteria/Catering Manager or Food Service Supervisor or ... Prepares and cooks all food items including more difficult and specialized food dishes. Uses all ...

Hurley Medical Center

Senior Cook

Flint, MI

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Prepares and cooks the more difficult and specialized food dishes. Participates in quality ... Works under the direct supervision of the Cafeteria/Catering Manager or Food Service Supervisor or ...

Caterpillar Corner Childcare

Cook (Flint, MI)

Flint, MI · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Prepare and cook a variety of healthy and age-appropriate meals and snacks for breakfast, lunch ... Minimum 1 year of experience working in a childcare or school cafeteria setting. * ServSafe ® ...

DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital

Cook

Commerce, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

This may include set-up or serving in cafeteria and tray assembly. 7. Participates in in-service ... business cooking experience, or two years of experience in quantity food preparation. Skills ...

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All JobsCafeteria Cook JobsCafeteria Cook Jobs in Michigan

Cafeteria Cook information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do cafeteria cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria cook in Michigan is $13.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.29 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.
What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Cook jobs in MI? For Cafeteria Cook jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cafeteria Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Cook job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,641 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Cafeteria Server

Upshift

Allen Park, MI • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Upshift is looking for Cafeteria Servers for flexible shifts.

• Pick when and where you want to work.

• Create your own schedule - work as much or as little as you want.

• For all experience levels!

• Easy to apply - no resumes, no interviews.

Upshift is a revolutionary mobile app to find hundreds of flexible shifts for roles like Assembly, Hospitality, Packing, Bartending and more posted by businesses across your area.

Join 150,000 Upshifters and work on your terms! You decide how much and where you work as Upshift allows you to choose your own hours and roles. We have everything from one-day shifts, part-time to full-time positions available.

Learn more about Upshift: upshift.work/for-people/

Requirements:

As a cafeteria server, you will be playing an instrumental role in the cafeteria operations success. Some of the responsibilities might include:

- Assisting in the preparation and serving of food as assigned

- Serving food in specified portions

- Assisting in preparation of work details for next day; secure kitchen for next day and when not in use.

- Performing cashier duties as requested and assists in accurate end of day process as directed.

Cafeteria Servers are expected to be on their feet the entire shift. Frequently lift/carry up to 25 lb. Occasionally lift/carry up to 50 lb. Ability to reach with hands and arms in any direction and kneel and stoop repeatedly. You should be able to see and hear well due to the dynamic nature of the cafeteria environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of pay can I expect?

A: Each shift pays differently, you'll always be able to see how much you can earn before applying.

Q: How to apply?

A: It's very easy and we don't require resumes or interviews. Go to upshift.work/for-people/sign-up, fill out the form and after an onboarding session, you will be all set to start picking up shifts!
Q: What kind of shifts are there?

A: Some of the shifts that Upshifters find include: baker, server, barista, cashier, attendant, front-desk, housekeeper or house cleaner / maid, event-set-up, busier, buffet host, dishwasher, food and beverage associate, prep cook, warehouse associate, package handler, picker, packer, assembler, labeller, sorter.

Q: Do I need experience?

A: You can find shifts for all experience levels!

Benefits

Upshift offers benefits after your first paycheck including medical, dental, and vision among others. Apply today and start working on your terms!

*Hourly rate projected based on current client pay rates. The actual client pay rates may differ.

Apply