ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cafeteria Cook Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

R+L Carriers

Cafeteria Worker

Wilmington, OH · On-site

$19/hr

... Cook in our Wilmington, OH Service Center Cafeteria. This candidate will be responsible for preparing and serving cafeteria food with all applicable sanitation, health and personal hygiene standards ...

Dayton Area School Consortium

Sub Cook

Sidney, OH · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Food Service Aide Position Purpose Under the direct supervision of the building Principal, to cook ... Assists in supervising students in the cafeteria during mealtime. * Assists in making sure that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCafeteria Cook JobsCafeteria Cook Jobs in Ohio

Cafeteria Cook information

See Ohio salary details

$7

$15

$19

How much do cafeteria cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria cook in Ohio is $15.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Cafeteria Cook jobs in OH?

For Cafeteria Cook jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Cafeteria Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Cook job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,241 per year, or $15 per hour.

Substitute School Cafeteria Cook

Twinsburg City School District

Twinsburg, OH

$11.35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Substititute Cook
Hours per Day: 3-5
Salary $11.35 per hour
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The cook shall be responsible for:
1. Performing duties for food preparation as required by Cafeteria Manager.
2. Maintaining sanitation standards for Food Service Area.
3. Maintaining positive work habits.
4. Performing duties efficiently and productively.
5. Maintaining and/or upgrading skills.
6. Maintaining personal qualities appropriate for assigned job.
Performance
  •  Follows the cafeteria manager's instruction in producing and serving food to meet federal and state nutritional standards.
  •  Exhibits the ability to prepare food in large quantities without constant reference to recipe card or asking other employees questions.
  •  Maintains required forms and records as assigned by manager.
  •  Accepts responsibility for general cleaning of food service area.
  •  Accepts responsibility for stocking shelves and cleaning storeroom.
  •  Utilizes all food stocked to the fullest extent possible.
  •  Exhibits the ability to serve food in quantities that meet requirements.
  • . Works under stress efficiently and effectively.
  •  Performs other duties assigned by Cafeteria Manager or Principal
  •  Works under supervision of the Cafeteria Manager or Principal

Personal Qualities
  •  Strives for good public relations with students, staff and supervisor and community.
  •  Cooperates with principal, faculty, students and food service staff to make the food service program an integral part of the total school.
  •  Has an interest in children.
  •  Maintains a neat and appropriate appearance.
  •  Projects good health habits
  •  Has health and stamina to perform job effectively

 

















Apply