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Cafeteria Lady Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kidz Zone Counselor

De Pere, WI · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Kidz Zone is housed in the cafeteria at Our Lady of Lourdes School, 1307 Lourdes Avenue, De Pere. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, and candidates will be notified when a new ...

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Cafeteria Lady information

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$8

$14

$19

How much do cafeteria lady jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria lady in the United States is $14.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cafeteria lady do?

A cafeteria lady, often referred to as a cafeteria worker, is responsible for preparing and serving food in school or institutional cafeterias. Their duties typically include cooking or heating meals, assembling food trays, serving students or customers, cleaning kitchen equipment, and maintaining a sanitary environment. They also help with inventory, restock supplies, and may assist in menu planning. Cafeteria ladies play a crucial role in ensuring that nutritious meals are provided safely and efficiently to everyone they serve.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria lady, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Lady, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are typically required. Strong customer service, teamwork, and time management skills help create a positive dining experience and maintain efficient operations. These qualifications ensure safe food handling, smooth service, and a welcoming environment for customers.

What are the main challenges a cafeteria lady might face during busy meal times, and how can they be managed?

During peak meal times, a Cafeteria Lady often faces challenges such as managing long lines, ensuring food remains stocked and fresh, and maintaining a clean work area. Staying organized, communicating effectively with team members, and preparing items in advance can help manage these busy periods. Teamwork and quick problem-solving are crucial to keep service running smoothly and to ensure all students or patrons are served efficiently.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Lady vs School Lunch Worker?

AspectCafeteria LadySchool Lunch Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, preparing and serving foodSchool cafeterias, assisting with food prep and service
Job DutiesServing meals, cleaning dining areasAssisting with food preparation, serving, cleaning
Industry UsageCommonly used term in schoolsOften used interchangeably with Cafeteria Lady

Both roles involve working in school cafeterias, preparing and serving food, and typically require similar credentials. The term "Cafeteria Lady" is more informal, while "School Lunch Worker" is more formal and may encompass a broader range of duties. They are often used interchangeably depending on the school district.

What cities are hiring for Cafeteria Lady jobs?

Cities with the most Cafeteria Lady job openings:

What states have the most Cafeteria Lady jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cafeteria Lady jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Lady jobs?

For Cafeteria Lady jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Lady job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Food Service Support Staff - Our Lady of Lourdes School

Indianapolis, IN

Archdiocese of Indianapolis
11 - 50 employees

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Our Lady of Lourdes School, located in the heart of Historic Irvington seeks a food service support staff member. The ideal candidate has the desire to serve young people and school staff by providing the nutrition necessary to live out our learning and faith culture. Creative ideas for fun cafeteria environment a plus!
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