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Cafeteria Worker Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

WORKING CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Must be able to use a variety of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. Must be able to communicate ...

WORKING CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Must be able to use a variety of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. Must be able to communicate ...

WORKING CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Must be able to use a variety of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. Must be able to communicate ...

WORKING CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Must be able to use a variety of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. Must be able to communicate ...

WORKING CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Must be able to use a variety of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. Must be able to communicate ...

WORKING CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Must be able to use a variety of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. Must be able to communicate ...

WORKING CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Must be able to use a variety of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. Must be able to communicate ...

WORKING CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Must be able to use a variety of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. Must be able to communicate ...

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Cafeteria Worker information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$13

$19

How much do cafeteria worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria worker in Raleigh, NC is $13.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $15.43 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 are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Cafeteria Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Cafeteria Worker jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Cafeteria Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Worker job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,077 per year, or $14 per hour.

Yates Mill Elementary School - 626

Wake County Public School System

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Wake County Public School System rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

520th of 629 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

POSITION PURPOSE: 

Assists with management of a school cafeteria and provides leadership and manages the school cafeteria in the absence of the CNS Manager. Performs work to prepare, cook and serve meals, salads, and a la-carte items; prepares entrees, vegetables, and other side dishes according to standardized recipes and keeps accurate documentation of good preparation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

  • Considerable knowledge of child nutrition laws, policies, and procedures;
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
  • Effective time management skills;
  • Effective oral and written communication skills;
  • Excellent customer service skills;
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations required for completion of records and reports;
  • Ability to read, interpret, and administer detailed instructions, schedules, and recipes in large quantities;
  • Ability to demonstrate appropriate food production skills;
  • Ability to work independently without close supervision;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, and the community.

 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

  •  High School diploma or equivalent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in food service and/or serving as a cashier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

  1. Performs work to prepare, cook and serve meals, salads, and a la-carte items; prepares entrees, vegetables, and other side dishes according to standardized recipes and keeps  accurate documentation of food preparation.
  2. Serves as a cashier in the school cafeteria to collect money; responsible for accurate records of all food leaving the serving line by accurately using a computerized point of  sale system to record sales.
  3. Follows accurate procedures for the exchange and collection of monies, assists in the preparation of deposits; may deliver bank deposits, as needed.
  4. Provides leadership and manages the cafeteria in the absence of the CNS Manager.
  5. Completes all required records, reports, inventories, and vending procedures as required.
  6. Ensures the kitchen area, equipment, and utensils are kept clean according to sanitation   codes; follows a schedule for maintaining cleanliness.
  7. Performs various housekeeping duties that may include sweeping and mopping floors, wiping or washing tables and chairs, cleaning the bathroom and cleaning the serving, receiving and dining areas.
  8. Complies with policies and procedures in the Wake County Public Schools Child  Nutrition Handbook.
  9. Provides effective communication and customer service to students, parents and school system staff, as appropriate.
  10. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT  

Must be able to use a variety of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and cafeteria/food preparation equipment. Must be able to communicate effectively. Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to forty pounds. Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking, physical requirements are consistent with those for heavy work. All employees are expected to request assistance when needed and work collaboratively.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to work in an office and school cafeteria environment and come into direct contact  with school system staff, students, parents, and the community.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  5/2023

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.



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About Wake County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

Industry

Education

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1976