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Cafeteria Worker Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Cafeteria Worker

Middletown, DE · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Cafeteria Worker Date of Last Revision: February 2020 Employment Type: Non-Professional/Non-Exempt/At-Will Reports To: Cafeteria Manager Supervisory Responsibilities: None Position Summary: Assist ...

Cafeteria Worker

Dover, DE

$13 - $16.50/hr

Cafeteria Worker Date of Last Revision: February 2020 Employment Type: Non-Professional/Non-Exempt/At-Will Reports To: Cafeteria Manager Supervisory Responsibilities: None Position Summary: Assist ...

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Cafeteria Worker information

See Delaware salary details

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How much do cafeteria worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria worker in Delaware is $14.39, 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.

How much do cafeteria workers get paid?

Cafeteria workers in Texas typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $9 to $13, depending on experience and the employer. The average annual salary is around $20,000 to $27,000, with some positions offering benefits such as flexible schedules and food service skills development.

What are some common challenges cafeteria workers face during busy meal periods, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak meal times, cafeteria workers often encounter challenges such as long lines, high noise levels, and the need to quickly prepare and serve food while maintaining quality and safety standards. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and staying organized can help manage these pressures. Many cafeterias use well-defined roles and prep routines to streamline service, and teamwork is crucial for keeping service running smoothly. Adapting to fast-paced environments and being proactive in restocking supplies or cleaning work areas can also help reduce stress during busy periods.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Worker vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCafeteria WorkerFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, educational institutionsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsRestaurants, catering companies, food establishments
Job DutiesServing students, preparing simple meals, cleaningServing customers, preparing food, cleaning, taking orders

While both Cafeteria Workers and Food Service Workers operate in food service environments, Cafeteria Workers primarily serve in school settings focusing on student meals, whereas Food Service Workers work in various food establishments serving the general public. The required credentials and job duties overlap but differ based on the work environment and specific responsibilities.

What is a cafeteria worker?

Cafeteria workers are employees who prepare, serve, and sometimes cook food in schools, hospitals, businesses, and other institutional dining settings. Their responsibilities often include setting up serving lines, portioning food, cleaning work areas, and ensuring that food safety standards are met. They may also handle cash registers, restock supplies, and assist with inventory. Cafeteria workers play a crucial role in providing nutritious meals to a large number of people efficiently and safely.

What are the duties of a cafeteria worker?

As a cafeteria worker, your primary responsibilities are to prepare and serve meals, typically for large groups of people. When preparing food, you adhere to any and all food preparation safety standards. When serving, you give food to customers as they walk through a line or by selling prepackaged items that can be purchased a la carte. In addition to preparing and serving food, your duties include restocking and maintaining supplies for the kitchen and cafeteria, as well as maintaining and cleaning the kitchen, equipment, and washing dishes.

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

To thrive as a Cafeteria Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and, in some cases, a food handler’s certification are typically required. Excellent teamwork, reliability, and strong customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities ensure efficient service, safe food handling, and a positive dining experience for customers.

How do you become a school cafeteria worker?

To become a school cafeteria worker, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to pass a background check. Relevant skills include food safety knowledge and the ability to operate kitchen equipment; some positions may require food handler certifications. Experience in food service can be beneficial, and work schedules often align with school hours.
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Worker jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Worker jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Cafeteria Worker jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Cafeteria Worker job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Worker jobs in DE? For Cafeteria Worker jobs in DE, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Worker job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,938 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
School Nutrition/General Nutrition Worker
Date Posted:
8/7/2024
Location:
MOT Charter School
District:
MOT Charter School
Position: Cafeteria Worker Date of Last Revision: February 2020
Employment Type: Non-Professional/Non-Exempt/At-Will
Reports To: Cafeteria Manager
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Position Summary: Assist the Cafeteria Manager to provide a high quality cafeteria experience for the students and to ensure that the school food service is operated so as to comply with state and local regulations regarding the commercial preparation and distribution of food. To provide excellent maintenance of required documentation and vendor files while complying with all corporate, local, state and federal guidelines and procedures.
General Responsibilities:
  1. Share a commitment to the success of the mission, goals, and objectives of the MOT Charter School.
  2. Set high expectations and standards for the food service provided by MOT Charter School.
  3. Function as a Cafeteria Monitor, Cashier, or Kitchen Staff as needed and assigned.
  4. Support the Cafeteria Manager by offering organizational assistance that ensures compliance with all corporate, local, state and federal guidelines and procedures.
  5. Support a school philosophy that values continuous learning for adults tied into student learning and other school goals.
  6. Support all efforts to provide opportunities for the community to be involved in student and school success.
  7. Demonstrate genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal expectations.
  8. Promote healthful eating and good citizenship through actions as a role model.
  9. Provide a cafeteria atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair, and consistent practices, respect for individual children, and the development of responsible citizenship.
  10. Keep the Cafeteria Manager informed of all necessary information including customer and staff complaints/incidents.
  11. If directed by Cafeteria Manager track and provide documentation of meal payment and non-payment. Keep accurate and timely meal payment records. Collect unpaid balances in a timely manner.
  12. Other duties as assigned by Administration or Cafeteria Manager.
Primary Tasks:
  1. Cafeteria Monitor
    1. Assist students by opening packages and milk cartons, cleaning up spills and providing additional assistance as needed.
    2. Help ensure that students go through the cafeteria line in an orderly fashion and proceed to their tables.
    3. Monitor the behavior of the students and enforce school policies and procedures.
    4. Address inappropriate student behaviors and report them to the appropriate school authorities.
    5. Ensure that students cleaned their tables and dispose of their trash in the designated receptacles.
    6. Sweeping the cafeteria floor, cleaning up any spills or leftover trash and putting all chairs in the proper place.
  2. Cashier
    1. Use the point of service computer system appropriately to accurately capture reimbursable meals and a la carte purchases during breakfast and lunch service as assigned.
    2. Know the prices of items offered for sale, handle cash, make correct change, and count money accurately.
    3. Understand the components of a reimbursable meal and ensure that student reimbursable meals contain the required elements.
    4. Assist in supervising students after all students have been served.
    5. Restock service line as needed.
    6. Assist in meal preparation and service as needed.
  3. Kitchen Staff
    1. Comply with state and local regulations regarding the commercial preparation and distribution of food.
    2. Maintain a clean, safe work environment by following Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and other sanitation principles in food handling and equipment use.
    3. Practice proper food preparation, food holding and display/marketing techniques that assure high quality food products and customer satisfaction.
    4. Assist in inspecting cooking equipment and utensils for cleanliness and functional operation.
    5. Maintain cleanliness and proper sanitation in the kitchen area including: washing dishes and all utensils used in food preparation and service; daily cleaning of counter tops, oven, stove, warmers and other kitchen surfaces; cleaning refrigerators, freezers, cabinets, carts.
    6. Under supervision of the Cafeteria Manager, assist in developing menus in accordance with federal dietary standards (USDA).
    7. Understand the components of a reimbursable meal and ensure that student reimbursable meals contain the required elements.
    8. Assist and record information on production report on daily basis. Record temperatures of all refrigeration and freezer units on daily basis.
    9. Assist in the food order process with approval of Cafeteria Manager.
    10. Under supervision of Cafeteria Manager inventory supplies, equipment and food, and assist in putting away deliveries in a timely manner.
    11. Report supply needs and equipment loss or damage to the Cafeteria Manager.
    12. Prepare food in accordance with established procedures and protocols, including the use of appropriate protective clothing such as plastic gloves and hairnets.
    13. Avoid waste in purchasing or use of food supplies and materials.
    14. Assist in supervising students as needed.
Performance Standards:
  1. Complete preparation duties and maintain desired temperature of food being served within operational time parameters.
  2. Be consistent and reliable in arrival and attendance, including staff development days as required, in order to assure the proper training, and operation of the kitchen.
  3. Keep Cafeteria Manager informed of planned/unplanned time off.
  4. Conduct one-self according to professional, ethical principles. Continuously strive to improve food preparation methods, service techniques, and interpersonal relationships.
  5. Display personal qualities that reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the school.
  6. Display pride in being a member of the MOT Charter School team.
  7. Adhere to all procedures and policies as outlined in the Employee Manual.
  8. Display a professional appearance.
  9. Maintain a positive working relationship with faculty, staff, board members, parents, students, authorizer and community.
  10. Be courteous, professional and tactful at all times.
Requires Education/Skills:
High School Diploma or GED required. Experienced cook with at least one year experience in a commercial establishment prefered. Knowledge of basic nutritional principles and demonstrated ability to plan and serve well balanced meals and snacks. Three years directly related experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.
In addition, must demonstrate the ability to:
  • Communicate orally and in writing.
  • Maintain an organized work environment.
  • Work on multiple projects and respond to requests and deadlines in an accurate, timely manner.
  • Make sound decisions within the parameters of authority.
  • Move groceries and cooking supplies as needed. Ability to lift up to 48 pounds, carry 48 pounds, and push/pull 35 pounds of force.
  • Stand and walk on hard surfaces for extended periods.
  • Bend, stoop or crouch occasionally.
  • Withstand frequent use of hands and fingers
  • Ability to work in the presence of loud background noise
  • Ability to adapt to changes in room temperature.
Disclaimer: This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of this position. It is not intended to limit, or in any way to modify, the right of any supervisor to assign, direct or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The use of a particular illustration shall not be used to exclude non-listed duties of similar kind or level of difficulty.

Delaware Schools Consortium logo

About Delaware Schools Consortium

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Delaware Schools Consortium (DSC), located in Dover, DE, US, is an organization in the education industry. The company, accessible via its official website at joindelawareschools.org, serves as a hub for public and charter schools across Delaware, sharing resources, knowledge, and opportunities. Founded on the notion of unified leadership and common values, DSC's mission is to foster cooperation and collaboration among schools, facilitating the growth of the education sector in the region. The consortium represents a wide range of institutions, from primary and secondary schools to vocational colleges. Its achievements include promoting educational advancement in the region, aiding in the allocation of resources, and supporting countless teachers, administrators, and students on their educational journeys.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dover, DE, US

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