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Cafeteria Helper Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

... help support our cafeteria operations. Whether you have previous food service experience or are looking to gain hands-on experience, we'd love to hear from you! The ideal candidate is reliable ...

CNA - PRN

Medford, OR · On-site

$20 - $26.88/hr

We contribute to profit sharing plan, helping you build savings based on company performance. * Employee Cafeteria: Convenient onsite dining with a variety of meal options, including discounted meals ...

Caregiver - PRN

Medford, OR · On-site

$18 - $24.19/hr

We contribute to profit sharing plan, helping you build savings based on company performance. * Employee Cafeteria: Convenient onsite dining with a variety of meal options, including discounted meals ...

CNA - PRN

Medford, OR · On-site

$20 - $26.88/hr

We contribute to profit sharing plan, helping you build savings based on company performance. * Employee Cafeteria: Convenient onsite dining with a variety of meal options, including discounted meals ...

Caregiver - PRN

Medford, OR · On-site

$18 - $24.19/hr

We contribute to profit sharing plan, helping you build savings based on company performance. * Employee Cafeteria: Convenient onsite dining with a variety of meal options, including discounted meals ...

CNA - PRN

Medford, OR · On-site

$20 - $26.88/hr

We contribute to profit sharing plan, helping you build savings based on company performance. * Employee Cafeteria: Convenient onsite dining with a variety of meal options, including discounted meals ...

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Cafeteria Helper information

See Oregon salary details

$5

$15

$19

How much do cafeteria helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria helper in Oregon is $15.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $16.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How do you become a school cafeteria helper?

To become a school cafeteria helper, applicants typically need to be at least 16 years old, complete an application, and pass a background check. Some schools may require or prefer previous experience with food service or working with children, and training on food safety and sanitation is often provided on the job.

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

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Oregon are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Cafeteria Helper jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Cafeteria Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Helper job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Part Time, and 48% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,540 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Substitute Cafeteria Attendant

Crook County School District

Prineville, OR • On-site

$17.56/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the daily operations of the school food service, including setting up meal serving facilities and maintaining sanitation and safety standards.

  • Cook, portion, assemble, and serve large volumes of food, including entrees, salads, fruits, and vegetables.

  • Operate the POS system, handle cash and meal account deposits, and keep required records.


Job description

SUBSTITUTE CAFETERIA ATTENDANT
LOCATION: Nutrition Services Department
START DATE: TBD
HOURS & DAYS: On-call position as needed; days, hours and location will vary
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled
JOB DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of the Nutrition Services Cafeteria Lead, The NS Cafeteria Attendant assists in the efficient operation of the National School Breakfast & National School Lunch Program at their assigned school site. In addition, NS Cafeteria Attendant may help to direct several student workers; and performs additional food preparation, serving, and cleaning duties.
REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent required. Minimum one year experience in Food Service, preferably School Food Service. Courses in food service production, sanitation & safety desirable. Must have, or be able to obtain, current food handler's permit and valid Oregon driver's license with reliable transportation. Must be able to pass pre-employment physical, background check and pre-employment drug screening.
COMPLETE CAFETERIA ATTENDANT JOB DESCRIPTION:
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Nutrition Services Cafeteria Lead, The NS Cafeteria Attendant assists in the efficient operation of the National School Breakfast & National School Lunch Program at their assigned school site. In addition, NS Cafeteria Attendant may help to direct several student workers; and performs additional food preparation, serving, and cleaning duties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Assist where needed in daily operations of site as follows:
    • Set up student meal serving facilities for operation each day.
    • Maintain standards of efficiency, sanitation and safety throughout the Food Service Department.
    • Cook food in a timely manner to ensure food is as fresh as possible.
    • Cook, portion, assemble and serve large volume of entrees transported from Central Kitchen in a timely manner.
    • Prepare salads, fruit and vegetables for salad bar.
    • Ensure food service areas are stocked at all times: condiment station, utensils, etc.
    • Operate POS system, receive cash & meal account deposits, and helps keep required records.
    • Order, inventory and store salad bar and cafeteria supplies.
    • Participate in cleaning of utensils, dishes, trays, and cafeteria and kitchen equipment.
  2. Communicates with parents and staff as necessary.
  3. Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
  2. Able to relate well to students, staff and public.
  3. Read, understand and carry out written and/or oral instructions.
  4. Be able to perform basic arithmetic.
  5. Adhere to the Federal requirements of a drug-free workplace.
  6. Possess knowledge and ability to perform the basic operation of the Food Service program including:
  • Basic understanding of the preparation, cooking and serving of student meals in large volume.
  • Keep necessary records in an accurate manner.
  • Adhere to proper food handling and kitchen sanitation procedures at all times.
  • Employ proper methods of cleaning and maintaining food service areas.
  1. Work effectively with minimum supervision.
  2. One year experience in food service, preferably in a school Food Service program.
  3. Possess or be able to obtain a First Aid and CPR certification.
  4. Possess or be able to obtain an Oregon Food Handlers card.
  5. Courses in food service preparation, sanitation and safety desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Food preparation environment subject to heat, cold and loud equipment noise.
  2. Possess the physical ability to regularly attend work and fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  3. Lift, move and be able to carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
  4. Responsibilities require the ability to stand for long periods of time.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening, which includes testing for THC/marijuana in accordance with policy and federal law.
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.