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Cafeteria Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oakland Schools

High School Cafeteria Helper

Oxford, MI · On-site

$16.55/hr

Oxford Community Schools Cafeteria Helper - 3.75 Hours Oxford High School 2026-27 School Year Primary Function : Provide students with a healthy, high quality nutritious lunch within the guidelines ...

Oakland Schools

Middle School Cafeteria Helper

Oxford, MI · On-site

$16.55/hr

Oxford Community Schools Cafeteria Helper - 3.75 Hours Oxford Middle School 2026-27 School Year Primary Function : Provide students with a healthy, high quality nutritious lunch within the guidelines ...

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Cafeteria Helper information

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How much do cafeteria helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria helper in the United States is $14.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $15.14 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree often include roles such as commercial truck drivers, sales managers, real estate brokers, and certain skilled trades like electricians or plumbers. These positions typically require specialized training, certifications, or experience rather than a college degree, and may involve long hours or physical work.

What job pays you to eat food?

A cafeteria helper or food service worker may have opportunities to taste or sample food as part of their job, but they are not paid specifically to eat. Some food testers or product samplers are paid to taste food products, but these roles are separate from cafeteria jobs and often require specific training or certifications.

How much do lunch ladies get paid?

In North Carolina, cafeteria helpers or lunch ladies typically earn between $10 and $14 per hour, depending on experience and school district. Pay rates are often influenced by local budgets, union agreements, and whether the position is part-time or full-time.

What are Cafeteria Helpers?

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 some of 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.

How do you become a cafeteria worker?

To become a cafeteria helper, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to pass a background check. Relevant skills include food safety knowledge, ability to work in a team, and basic cooking or cleaning skills. Some positions may require prior experience or certification in food handling.
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Cafeteria Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Helper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,777 per year, or $14.8 per hour.
High School Cafeteria Helper

High School Cafeteria Helper

Oakland Schools

Oxford, MI • On-site

$16.55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Non-Certified Student Support Services/Food Services
Date Posted:
6/24/2026
Location:
Oxford Community Schools Nutrition Services
Date Available:
August 2026
District:
Oxford Community Schools
Cafeteria Helper - 3.75 Hours
Oxford High School
2026-27 School Year
Primary Function: Provide students with a healthy, high quality nutritious lunch within the guidelines of the Michigan Department of Education School Lunch Program, and Oakland County Health Department consistent with the District Mission Statement.
Base hourly rate: $16.55/hour
Qualifications and conditions for this position will be in accordance with the most recent agreements between the district and the local AFSCME unit.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
  • Responsible for efficient use, maintenance, and cleanliness of all kitchen equipment and storage areas, plus overall organization of kitchen.
  • Cross-trained in kitchen positions and able to work in all district kitchens.
  • Completion of Introduction to Food Service through the Michigan Department of Education and Serv Safe.
  • Maintain all necessary records, including but not limited to daily sales sheet, deposit slips, monthly inventory, time sheet, order forms, production records, etc.
  • Maintain Oakland County Health Department standards.
  • Maintain standards set forth by the Michigan Department of Education for school lunch programs as directed by Food Service Supervisor.
  • Carry out directions, written or oral, as issued by supervisor or designee.
  • Responsible for following proper start-up and end of the day procedures for opening and closing the kitchen.
  • Perform duties and functions assigned and deemed necessary by the nature of the work assigned.
  • Maintain regular and predictable in-person attendance.
  • Support the vision and mission of Oxford Community Schools.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Attachment(s):
  • Official OCS Posting
Oakland Schools logo

About Oakland Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oakland Schools is a regional service agency that offers support services to school personnel that are best delivered regionally and provide cost, size and quality advantages to those we serve. Oakland Schools is an autonomous, tax-supported public school district governed by Michigan General School Laws and is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) established in Michigan in 1962.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Waterford, MI, US

Year founded

1962

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