ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cafeteria Helper Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Emerald Staffing

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 ...

PRS Management, Inc.

Housekeeper

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $23.68/hr

Company-provided coverage to help protect you and your loved ones. • Employee cafeteria and discounts to onsite dining venues. • Free public transportation passes. • Free access to the onsite ...

PRS Management, Inc.

Housekeeper

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $23.68/hr

Company-provided coverage to help protect you and your loved ones. • Employee cafeteria and discounts to onsite dining venues. • Free public transportation passes. • Free access to the onsite ...

Aacres LLC

Direct Support Professional

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$167.85/day

Support and assist individuals with personal care, daily living skills, and self-help skills ... Benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401(K) with match, cafeteria plan, and ...

Aacres LLC

Direct Support Professional

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$167.85/day

Support and assist individuals with personal care, daily living skills, and self-help skills ... Benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401(K) with match, cafeteria plan, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCafeteria Helper JobsCafeteria Helper Jobs in Portland, OR

Cafeteria Helper information

See Portland, OR salary details

$5

$15

$19

How much do cafeteria helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria helper in Portland, OR is $15.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $16.06 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Helper jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Helper jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Helper jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Cafeteria Helper jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Cafeteria Helper job openings:

Cafeteria Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Helper job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,639 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Food Service Associate

Emerald Staffing

Portland, OR • On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Food Service Associate
Pay: $19.00-$23.00/hour
Schedule: 
Morning Shift: 5:30am - 1:30pm
Afternoon Shift: 1:30pm - 8:45pm
Hours: 22-32 hours 

Are you looking for a fast-paced, team-oriented role where you can make an impact every day? We're seeking a dependable and hardworking staff member to 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, detail-oriented, and comfortable working on their feet while helping prepare and serve meals in a clean, professional environment.

Essential Job Duties-
  • Prepare food and ingredients in the back of the cafeteria
  • Wash, cut, and prepare ingredients for meal service
  • Assemble meals and food items
  • Serve customers during peak lunch hours
  • Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines
  • Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and work area
  • Complete general kitchen cleaning duties as needed
Requirements-
  • Active Food Handler's License or being able to obtain a Food Handler's License upon hire.
  • Previous food service experience preferred, but not required
  • Ability to stand for up to 8 hours at a time
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to work efficiently in a team environment
  • Dependable with a positive attitude and strong work ethic


Let us know you are interested!
Daynea Rangel 
(503)-212-0003
daynea@emeraldstaffing.com
www.EmeraldStaffing.com