ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cafeteria Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duluth Public Schools

Cafeteria Manager

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.35/hr

The School Cafeteria Manager is a lead worker responsible for coordinating and overseeing all operational aspects of a complex, high-volume school food service program. As a senior member of the ...

NOLA Public Schools

Cafeteria Manager

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$27K - $42K/yr

Position Summary The Cafeteria Manager is responsible for planning and providing nutritious meals to students. This position ensures compliance with health and safety regulations within the ...

Duluth Public Schools

Cafeteria Manager

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.35/hr

Cafeteria Manager Rockridge Academy School 25 hours/38 week | Monday - Friday Starting Wage: $20.35/hr + Benefits Join the Duluth Public Schools team, where we work to inspire every student to ...

Waco ISD

Cafeteria Manager - Trainee

Waco, TX

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Cafeteria Manager Pay Grade/Days: 304/184 Dept./School: Child Nutrition Services Date Revised: April 2019 Primary Purpose: Assist the cafeteria manager with the operation of the kitchen and the ...

NOLA Public Schools

Cafeteria Manager

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$27K - $42K/yr

Position Summary The Cafeteria Manager is responsible for planning and providing nutritious meals to students. This position ensures compliance with health and safety regulations within the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCafeteria JobsCafeteria Manager Jobs

Cafeteria Manager information

See salary details

$11

$19

$26

How much do cafeteria manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria manager in the United States is $19.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Cafeteria Manager Do?

A cafeteria manager is required to oversee the daily operations of a cafeteria, such as one at a hospital, school, residential rehabilitation facility, or corporate office. In this career, you are responsible for hiring and training new employees, scheduling shifts at the cafeteria, and managing all food production and food preparation. As the cafeteria manager, you also have many administrative duties, such as monitoring inventory, ordering more products, dealing with customer service issues, and consulting with other managers in the department or above you.

How to become a school cafeteria manager?

To become a school cafeteria manager, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in food service or kitchen management. Many employers prefer candidates with food safety certifications such as ServSafe and strong organizational and leadership skills. Some positions may require prior experience as a cook or food service worker and knowledge of nutrition and inventory management.

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

To thrive as a Cafeteria Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, food safety knowledge, and experience in food service management, often supported by a degree or certification in hospitality or culinary arts. Familiarity with inventory management software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and compliance with health regulations is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to resolve conflicts help you manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient operations, meeting regulatory standards, and delivering a positive dining experience.

What is the hourly rate for a cafeteria manager?

The hourly rate for a cafeteria manager typically ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. Managers often oversee staff, inventory, and food safety, and may work full-time hours including evenings and weekends.

What is the role of a cafeteria manager?

A cafeteria manager oversees daily operations of a food service facility, including staff management, inventory control, food quality, and customer service. They ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and often handle budgeting, scheduling, and menu planning.

What is the highest paying food service job?

The highest paying food service jobs often include executive chefs, food service directors, and culinary managers, with salaries exceeding $70,000 annually. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes advanced culinary or management certifications.

What are cafeteria managers?

Cafeteria managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a cafeteria, including food preparation, staff supervision, inventory management, and ensuring health and safety standards are met. They plan menus, order supplies, handle budgeting, and address customer concerns to provide a positive dining experience. Additionally, cafeteria managers often train and schedule employees, monitor food quality, and ensure compliance with local health regulations.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Manager vs Food Service Supervisor?

AspectCafeteria ManagerFood Service Supervisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer food service certificationsHigh school diploma; food safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, institutional dining facilitiesRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, government facilitiesFood service establishments, hospitality industry
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversees cafeteria operations, manages staff, handles inventorySupervises food prep, manages staff, ensures food safety standards

While both roles involve managing food service operations, a Cafeteria Manager typically oversees school or institutional cafeterias, focusing on daily operations and staff management. A Food Service Supervisor often works in restaurants or catering, emphasizing food preparation and safety. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Cafeteria Managers and how can they be addressed?

Cafeteria Managers often face challenges such as coordinating staff schedules, ensuring food safety compliance, and managing supply inventory. Balancing meal quality with budget constraints is another frequent hurdle. Successful managers address these issues by fostering strong communication within their teams, implementing efficient inventory systems, and staying updated on food safety regulations. Regular staff training and open feedback channels can also help maintain high standards and smooth operations.
More about Cafeteria Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Cafeteria Manager jobs? Cities with the most Cafeteria Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Cafeteria Manager jobs? The top employers for Cafeteria Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Cafeteria Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Cafeteria Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Manager jobs are:
Cafeteria Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,089 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Cafeteria Manager

Excelsior Prep Charter School Inc

Tampa, FL • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Cafeteria Manager oversees the daily operation of the school nutrition program for Excelsior Prep Charter Schools. This position is responsible for supervising cafeteria staff, maintaining food service quality and safety, managing inventory and ordering, supporting compliance with applicable health and nutrition standards, and ensuring efficient meal service for students and staff. The Cafeteria Manager promotes a clean, organized, and welcoming dining environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily food service operations, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and special meal activities as applicable.

• Supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate cafeteria staff to ensure efficient and professional service.

• Ensure food is prepared, handled, stored, and served in accordance with health, sanitation, and safety requirements.

• Monitor portion control, meal quality, presentation, and service timelines.

• Manage inventory, place food and supply orders, and maintain accurate records of stock usage and waste.

• Support menu implementation in accordance with school nutrition guidelines and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

• Maintain records related to meal counts, production, temperatures, cleaning schedules, and compliance activities.

• Inspect kitchen and serving areas to ensure cleanliness, proper equipment use, and adherence to sanitation standards.

• Coordinate with school administration regarding meal service needs, special events, and operational improvements.

• Address food service concerns staff, students, and families in a professional manner.

• Assist with budgeting, cost control, and efficient use of food service resources.

• Perform hands-on food service duties as needed to support smooth cafeteria operations.

• Perform other duties assigned by school leadership.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional coursework or certification in food service management preferred.

• Previous experience in cafeteria operations, school nutrition, food service supervision, or a related field required.

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation procedures, meal service operations, and inventory management.

• Food handler, food manager, or equivalent certification preferred or required based on local regulations.

• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and customer service skills.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience working with children and families in a school setting is preferred.

• Basic computer and reporting skills preferred.

Reports To

Principal and Director of Operations