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Cafeteria Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Palermo Union Elementary

Cafeteria Helper

Palermo, CA · On-site

$18.05 - $23.44/hr

About the Employer Thank you for your interest in joining the PUESD family! There is a strong sense of pride in being a part of our district, whether you are a member of our staff, a student, a ...

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All JobsCafeteria Helper JobsCafeteria Helper Jobs in California

Cafeteria Helper information

See California salary details

$5

$14

$18

How much do cafeteria helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria helper in California is $14.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $14.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCafeteria HelperKitchen Assistant
CredentialsNone typically requiredBasic food safety knowledge often preferred
Work EnvironmentSchool or institutional cafeterias, serving studentsCommercial or institutional kitchens, food prep areas
Employer & IndustrySchools, colleges, or cafeteriasRestaurants, catering services, food production
Job FocusAssisting with serving, cleaning, and maintaining cafeteria areasAssisting with food prep, cleaning kitchen equipment

While both roles support food service operations, Cafeteria Helpers primarily assist with serving and maintaining cafeteria areas, often in schools, whereas Kitchen Assistants focus more on food preparation and kitchen cleanliness in various food service settings.

What is a cafeteria helper?

Cafeteria Helpers are staff members who support the daily operations of a cafeteria, usually in schools, hospitals, or corporate settings. Their duties often include preparing and serving food, cleaning dining areas, restocking supplies, and assisting with dishwashing. They work under the supervision of cafeteria managers and ensure that food safety and hygiene standards are met. Cafeteria Helpers play an important role in creating a clean, organized, and efficient dining environment for all patrons.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a cafeteria helper, and how do they collaborate with other staff members?

As a Cafeteria Helper, your daily responsibilities often include preparing and serving food, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, restocking supplies, and assisting with meal setup and cleanup. You'll frequently collaborate with cooks, kitchen staff, and other helpers to ensure smooth food service and adherence to health and safety standards. Teamwork and effective communication are key, as you'll coordinate tasks during busy meal periods and support one another to provide a positive dining experience for students or customers.

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

To thrive as a Cafeteria Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and, in some cases, a food handler’s certification is valuable. Strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills help you efficiently serve meals and interact positively with students and staff. These abilities ensure safe, efficient food service operations and a welcoming environment for patrons.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Helper jobs in California?

For Cafeteria Helper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Helper jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Helper jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cafeteria Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cafeteria Helper job openings:

Cafeteria Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,374 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Cafeteria Helper

Los Nietos School District

Whittier, CA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the Employer
The Los Nietos School District-recognized as the oldest school district in California-has proudly served its community since 1861, building a rich legacy of educational excellence and resilience. Today, the district encompasses four schools across 3.5 square miles, including three elementary schools (Ada S. Nelson, Aeolian, and Rancho Santa Gertrudes) and one middle school (Los Nietos Middle School), serving approximately 1,200 students in a diverse and vibrant community. Located in the heart of Southern California, the district benefits from a dynamic cultural and geographic setting.
With a strong commitment to student achievement and community engagement, the district continues to honor its longstanding tradition of innovation, growth, and educational opportunity for all students-A Standard of Excellence, Every Day, in Every Way.
Job Summary
JOB TITLE: CAFETERIA HELPER
REPORTS TO: Cafeteria Manager
EFFECTIVE: Upon Tuberculosis and Fingerprint Clearance
DUTIES: • Cleans serving counters, tables, chairs, food containers and other cafeteria equipment
• Operates dishwasher and washes trays, plates, utensils and other serving equipment
• Assists in setting-up food preparation areas and serving lines
• Heats, sets-up, and serves food to students
• Cleans and stores kitchen equipment
• Assists is the preparation of food, involving such activities as preparing sandwiches, mixing salads, slicing meat, grating cheese, and preparing fruits and vegetables
• Performs other related duties as required on a temporary basis
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Kitchen methods of preparing and serving food
• Effective sanitary and safety practices/procedures
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Operate and care for cafeteria equipment
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with principal, employees, students, and public
Requirements / Qualifications

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