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Cafeteria Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Cafeteria Cook

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17/hr

Cafeteria Cook Pay Range : $17.00 to $17.00 We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1542567 The advertised program is ...

AtWork

Cafeteria Cooks - Tyler, TX

Tyler, TX · On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Cafeteria Cooks Tyler, TX Pay: $16.00-$16.50 per hour (based on experience) Schedule: Full-Time | ... Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and quality standards * Maintain a clean, organized ...

The Mark Hotel

Cafeteria Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

All Cooks are responsible for delivering the highest quality food and service at all times. Cooks are responsible for daily operational procedures and are responsible for food production and plating ...

Maumee Valley Group

Cafeteria Cook

Parma, MI

$18/hr

Maumee Valley Group is hiring a PART TIME, 1st Shift, Cafe Cook in Parma, Michigan! * WEEKLY Pay, paid on Wednesday's via direct deposit * WEEKENDS OFF* Job Duties: *Prepare different foods for ...

Damar Services, Inc.

Cafeteria Cook

Indianapolis, IN

$15.25/hr

The Cook is responsible and successful in completing assigned kitchen responsibilities related to food preparation. The Cook will prepare meals, load food carts, and ensure the kitchen and equipment ...

Damar Services, Inc.

Cafeteria Cook

Indianapolis, IN

$15.25/hr

The Cook is responsible and successful in completing assigned kitchen responsibilities related to food preparation. The Cook will prepare meals, load food carts, and ensure the kitchen and equipment ...

AccorHotel

Cafeteria Cook

Pittsburgh, PA

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Able to work with cooks on maintaining walk-ins and shared areas * Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to communicate clearly * All tasks are completed with 100% attention to detail * Must have ...

AccorHotel

Cafeteria Cook

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Able to work with cooks on maintaining walk-ins and shared areas * Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to communicate clearly * All tasks are completed with 100% attention to detail * Must have ...

KVC Health Systems

Cafeteria Cook

Columbia, MO · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Cook with Heart - Make a Difference in Children's Lives If you've ever worked in a school kitchen, daycare, or caregiving role, you know how much comfort a warm meal can bring. At KVC Missouri ...

FAIRMONT

Cafeteria Cook

Pittsburgh, PA

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Able to work with cooks on maintaining walk-ins and shared areas * Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to communicate clearly * All tasks are completed with 100% attention to detail * Must have ...

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Cafeteria Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Prepare scratch-cooked meals featuring proteins, vegetables, grains, and salad options that accommodate diverse dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-sensitive requirements.

Oak Hill, IN

PT Cafeteria Cook - OHHS

Converse, IN · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Under the supervision of the head cook, serve as cook to assure proper handling, preparation, and serving of food in the school cafeteria. Tentative start date of August 1, 2025. Summary of Essential ...

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Cafeteria Cook information

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How much do cafeteria cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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 are cafeteria cooks?

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.
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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:
Cafeteria Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,861 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Cafeteria Cook (6 Hours Per Day)

Cafeteria Cook (6 Hours Per Day)

Wentzville R-IV School District

Wentzville, MO • On-site

$15.71/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Wentzville School District rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 574 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Cook
Date Posted:
5/13/2026
Location:
Timberland High School
Position Type: Cafeteria Cook
  • Location: Timberland High School
  • 10-Month Position / 6 Hours Per Day (6am-12:30pm, Mon-Fri)
  • Effective: 2026-27 School Year (August 2026)
  • Starting Salary: $15.71 per hour
    Includes full benefits package:
    • Paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
    • Paid personal and sick days
    • Participation in the Public Education Employees Retirement System (PEERS)
    Please see attachment for job description and qualifications

Attachment(s):
  • Qualifications & Job Description

What Wentzville School District employees say

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