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Cafeteria Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rowland Unified

CAFETERIA LEAD WORKER I

Rowland Heights, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $23.46/hr

CAFETERIA LEAD WORKER I at Rowland Unified Share on X Print Application Deadline 7/7/2027 4:30 PM Pacific Date Posted 7/6/2026 Contact Amanda Arias Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range $19.25 - $23 ...

Bristol Public Schools

Lead Cook - Cafeteria

Bristol, CT · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Cafeteria/Lead Cook Date Posted: 1/14/2026 Location: Chippens Hill Middle School Date Available: 03/03/2026 Closing Date: Open until filled POSITION TITLE: LEAD COOK - CHIPPENS HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL ...

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Cafeteria Lead information

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How much do cafeteria lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria lead in the United States is $16.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria lead?

Cafeteria Leads are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a cafeteria, including supervising staff, ensuring food safety and quality, managing inventory, and maintaining cleanliness standards. They coordinate meal preparation and service, handle scheduling, and address customer concerns. Cafeteria Leads play a key role in ensuring that meals are served efficiently and that all health and safety regulations are followed. This position often requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and experience in food service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria lead?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Lead, you need experience in food service operations, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help in managing staff and ensuring efficient service. These abilities are crucial for maintaining a safe, compliant, and smoothly operating cafeteria that delivers quality customer service.

What are some common challenges faced by a cafeteria lead and how can they be managed?

A Cafeteria Lead often encounters challenges such as coordinating a diverse team, ensuring food safety compliance, and managing peak meal times efficiently. Effective communication and delegation are key to maintaining smooth operations, especially during busy periods. Staying updated with health regulations and fostering a supportive team environment can help address these challenges and ensure consistent service quality.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Lead vs Cafeteria Supervisor?

AspectCafeteria LeadCafeteria Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees daily cafeteria operations, manages staff, ensures food safety, and maintains service quality.Supervises cafeteria staff, enforces policies, handles scheduling, and ensures compliance with regulations.
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in food service preferred.High school diploma or equivalent; food service experience often required.
Work EnvironmentSchool or institutional cafeterias, fast-paced food service settings.School cafeterias, institutional food service environments.

The main difference is that a Cafeteria Lead typically focuses on daily operations and team management at a more hands-on level, while a Cafeteria Supervisor often has broader oversight responsibilities, including enforcing policies and staff scheduling. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the Supervisor role may involve more administrative duties.

How to become a school cafeteria lead?

To become a school cafeteria lead, candidates typically need previous experience working in food service, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and certifications such as ServSafe can be beneficial. Leadership, organization, and communication skills are important for managing staff and ensuring efficient cafeteria operations.

What cities are hiring for Cafeteria Lead jobs?

Cities with the most Cafeteria Lead job openings:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Lead jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Lead jobs are:

Cafeteria Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,270 per year, or $17 per hour.

Cafeteria Aide

Chester, PA • On-site

Chester Community Charter School
Education Programs Administration • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Chester Community Charter Schoolexternal

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

The Cafeteria Aide is responsible for performing food service and necessary maintenance functions for the school.


Essential Functions:

  • Serves student breakfast and lunches in the cafeteria and individual classrooms as required
  • Prepares cafeteria for food distribution and performs clean up, i.e. sweep floors, move tables, trash disposal, wipe tables and counters
  • Maintains sanitary conditions suitable to food distribution
  • Provides necessary instructions to students regarding orderly food delivery process
  • Checks expiration dates and conditions of all inbound food supplies
  • Assists Cafeteria Manager and Cafeteria Lead in ensuring that cleaning products and other cafeteria supplies are stocked
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Ability to interact in a positive manner with children
  • Ability to lift 20-25 pounds
  • Previous experience in food service industry a plus
  • PA State Police Criminal Record Check
  • PA Child Abuse History Clearance (ChildLine)
  • FBI Fingerprint Check

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

  • Basic cafeteria procedures and rules
  • Food sanitation requirements

Demonstrated Ability to:

  • Follow oral and written directions
  • Work independently with little direction
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Work with students who have known allergies to ensure safety

Note:  CCCS has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time.  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.

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