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Cafeteria Helper Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Cafeteria Cashier

Washington, DC · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Join our team as a food service aide and help make a difference in our guests lives with fresh, chef-created, and prepared food. Be a SUPERHERO working with a team of professionals to bring ...

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Cafeteria Monitor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Assists students who may need help as they go through the lunch line, including assisting students with condiments, opening milk cartons and other containers, dispensing napkins, etc * Oversees the ...

Cafeteria Monitor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Assists students who may need help as they go through the lunch line, including assisting students with condiments, opening milk cartons and other containers, dispensing napkins, etc * Oversees the ...

Cafeteria Monitor

Sterling, VA · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

Assists students who may need help as they go through the lunch line, including assisting students with condiments, opening milk cartons and other containers, dispensing napkins, etc * Oversees the ...

Showing results 21-40

Cafeteria Helper information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$5

$15

$19

How much do cafeteria helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria helper in Silver Spring, MD is $15.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $15.67 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Helper jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Cafeteria Helper jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Helper jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Helper jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Cafeteria Helper jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Cafeteria Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Helper job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Part Time, and 49% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,840 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Cafeteria Worker I 10 mo, 2.5 Hours (11:15-1:45), Rosemary Hills ES, Ad close 09/11/26

Montgomery County Public Schools

Rockville, MD • On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Montgomery County Public Schools (Virginia) rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 643 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Summary Description:
Under supervision of a manager, supervisor or field manager, performs the routine duties involved in the production and serving of food and in cleaning kitchen facilities and equipment. This is the entry and general helper level in the school meals program. Employees in this class receive on-the-job training in the basic food production and cafeteria operations from manager and other Division of Food and Nutrition Services staff.Physical Demands:Ability to perform work requiring sustained moderate physical effort, movement of objects weighing 40-60 pounds, operation of commercial food service equipment, continuous standing and extreme variations in temperature.Special Requirements:Ability to perform work requiring sustained moderate physical effort, movement of objects weighing 40-60 pounds, operation of commercial food service equipment, continuous standing and extreme variations in temperature.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Ability to work with students, teachers and school leadership staff demonstrating the seven SSPGS core competencies.Knowledge of basic food production. Ability to follow HACCP guidelines for safe food handling from receiving to service.Ability to practice standard sanitation procedures for care and cleaning of kitchen equipment.Ability to learn standard school cafeteria operations.Ability to gather necessary menu items, recipe ingredients and supplies. Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to effectively communicate to meet the needs of all customers:students, school staff and community. Basic human relations skills needed to work cooperatively in close proximity with others under constant deadlines. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
Education Training Experience:
Completion of the ninth grade required. High School or GED diploma preferred. Experience with food preparation techniques and safety procedures. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.Certificate License:Valid Class C noncommercial driver^s license. Sanitation certification required or obtain this certification during the first six months of employment.


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