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Cafeteria Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Norwalk Public Schools

Cafeteria/Recess Monitor

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Effectively manage behavior to maintain a safe lunch and/or recess experience. Responsibilities ... Monitor the cafeteria and assist with the transition to recess; remain outside with students ...

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$11

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$26

How much do cafeteria manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria manager in California is $19.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria manager?

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 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.

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 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.

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.

More about Cafeteria Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Manager jobs in California?

For Cafeteria Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cafeteria Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cafeteria Manager job openings:

Cafeteria Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,564 per year, or $19 per hour.

(Full-time) Lead Cafeteria Assistant

John Adams Academy

Roseville, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

John Adams Academy rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

441st of 634 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Job Summary
Position Title: Nutrition Services Cafeteria Lead
Location: Campus
Reports to: Cafeteria Manager
Calendar: 11 Months
POSITION OVERVIEW
Under the guidance of the nutrition services campus cafeteria manager, the cafeteria lead
supports the functioning of the campus food service program in compliance with the education
code and the national school lunch program requirements and performs all related duties as
assigned at their campus.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Supports campus cafeteria manager with all activities of the cafeteria and serving areas
at their campus on:
• Food preparation amounts for the purpose of meeting projected meal
requirements and minimizing waste of food items
• Supervises and processes inventories
• Food orders, equipment and supplies for the purpose of maintaining
adequate inventory to maintain operations within established budget
guidelines.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of documentation (production records,
temp logs, delivery logs, etc.)
• monitors campus food safety program to ensure staff is trained
2. Participates in meetings, in-service trainings, workshops, etc. for the purpose
of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
3. Maintains equipment, storage, food preparation and serving areas in a sanitary
condition for the purpose of complying with current health standards
4. Adheres to all conditions and protocols of working under the National School Lunch
Program
5. Supports guidelines and requirements of the National School Lunch Program to ensure
compliance
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of proper sanitary methods of preparing, cooking, serving and storing of
food in large quantities, and problems involved in managing a cafeteria
• Knowledge of record keeping, estimating, and ordering procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles of supervision and training
• Knowledge of the requirements of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast
Program
Requirements / Qualifications

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