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Cafeteria Helper Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Cafeteria Monitor PC

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Assists students who need help during lunchtime. * Helps parents, relatives, or visitors who may enter the lunchroom. * Maintains order during student dismissal from the cafeteria. * Directs students ...

Cafeteria Monitor PC

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Assists students who need help during lunchtime. * Helps parents, relatives, or visitors who may enter the lunchroom. * Maintains order during student dismissal from the cafeteria. * Directs students ...

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Cafeteria Helper information

See Washington salary details

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How much do cafeteria helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria helper in Washington is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $17.16 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 Washington? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Helper jobs in Washington? For Cafeteria Helper jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Helper jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Helper jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Cafeteria Helper jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Cafeteria Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Helper job openings in Washington 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 $34,858 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Cafeteria Monitor PC

Round Elementary School

Manassas Park, VA • On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Cafeteria Monitor

3.04 hours per day

Pay Grade: Hourly, Part-time Period of Employment: 9 months Description Approved/ Revised: 9/2019 FLSA Status : Non-Exempt Supervised by and/or Reports to: School Administrators

General Responsibilities : Responsible for monitoring student behavior and assisting students during lunch; assists with the cleanliness of the cafeteria, recycling, and with the flow of the meal service.

Essential Duties:

(This list is intended solely as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude their addition if they are similar to or a logical extension of the position.)

  • Seats students in an orderly manner in the cafeteria.
  • Supervises students and manages student behavior during meal service.
  • Assists with the cleanliness of the cafeteria by working with the students to clear and clean the tables, chairs, and floors where students have eaten.
  • Communicates with the students and the staff in a positive and professional manner, using good customer service skills.
  • Monitors and encourages good table etiquette.
  • Assists students who need help during lunchtime.
  • Helps parents, relatives, or visitors who may enter the lunchroom.
  • Maintains order during student dismissal from the cafeteria.
  • Directs students to appropriate fire exits in emergency situations.
  • Performs other duties as requested.

Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to follow written and verbal directions.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to maintain a good working relationship with students, parents, and staff.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds.
  • Serve as role model.

Requisite Education and Experience:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physically capable of effectively using and operating various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.

Manassas City Public Schools assures equal employment opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by federal and state orders and laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. The administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.

Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.