ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cafeteria Helper Jobs in Summit, MS (NOW HIRING)

All JobsCafeteria Helper JobsCafeteria Helper Jobs in Summit, MS

Cafeteria Helper information

See Summit, MS salary details

$4

$12

$16

How much do cafeteria helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria helper in Summit, MS is $12.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $13.12 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 Summit, MS?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Summit, MS are:

What cities near Summit, MS are hiring for Cafeteria Helper jobs?

Cities near Summit, MS with the most Cafeteria Helper job openings:

Cafeteria Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Helper job openings in Summit, MS 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 $26,677 per year, or $12.8 per hour.

Cook, Food Service Clerk - Brookhaven, MS

Sullivan's Grocery #16 - Brookhaven, MS

Brookhaven, MS • On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Sullivan's Grocery
Cook, Food Service  Clerk
Department: Â Store
Job Status: Â Full Time
FLSA Status: Â Non-Exempt
Reports To: Â Deli Manager
Amount of Travel Required: Â None
Job Type: Â Regular
Positions Supervised: Â None
Work Schedule: Flexible Schedule
POSITION Â SUMMARY
Prepare, cook and serve food in a grocery store kitchen/cafeteria location. Take food orders and serve customers.
Receive and disburse money. Ue electronic scanners, cash registers, or related equipment. May process credit or debit card transactions and validate  checks.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable  Accommodations  Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals  with disabilities to perform the essential  functions.
Essential  Functions Statement(s)
• Provide customer service by greeting and assisting customers, and responding to customer inquiries and complaints.
• Monitor food preparation methods, portion sizes, and garnish and presentation of food to ensure that food is prepared and presented in an acceptable  manner.
• Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service and  accommodations.
• Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory  records.
• Perform food preparation or service tasks, such as cooking, clearing tables, and serving food and drinks when necessary.
• Test cooked food by tasting and smelling it to ensure palatability and flavor  conformity.
• Count money.
POSITION Â QUALIFICATIONS
Competency  Statement(s)
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and  thoroughly.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken  word.
• Customer Oriented -   Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.
• Decision Making - Ability to make critical decisions while following company  procedures.
• Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
• Applied Learning - Ability to participate in needed learning activities in a way that makes the most of the learning experience.
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Reliability - The trait of being dependable and  trustworthy.
• Safety Awareness - Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee  safety.
• Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
SKILLS Â & ABILITIES
Education: Less than high school  education
Experience: 1 plus years of experience in Food preparation, cooking and  serving.
Computer Skills: Certifications &
Â
Licenses:
Other Requirements:
Â
PHYSICAL Â DEMANDS
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Physical  Demands
Stand - C
Lift/Carry 10 lbs or  less - C
Walk - F
Lift/Carry 11-20 lbs - C
Sit - O
Lift/Carry 21-50 lbs - F
Manually Manipulate - F
Lift/Carry  51-100 lbs - F
Reach Outward - F
Lift/Carry Over 100 lbs - O
Reach  Above Shoulder - F
Climb Squat or Kneel - OÂ
Push/Pull  - 12 lbs or  less - C
Bend O
Lift/Carry 13-25 lbs - C
Grasp - F
Lift/Carry 26-40 lbs - F
Speak - F
Lift/Carry  41-100 lbs - O
Sullivan's Grocery #16 - Brookhaven, MS is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

Apply