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Cafeteria Worker Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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How much do cafeteria worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria worker in Reston, VA is $14.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Do school cafeteria workers get paid in the summer?

School cafeteria workers are typically paid only during the school year when they are actively working. Some districts may offer summer employment or extended programs, but generally, pay is not provided during the summer break unless the worker is involved in summer meal programs or other year-round roles. Pay schedules depend on the school district's policies and employment agreements.

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 service certifications. Employment often involves part-time hours and adherence to health and safety regulations.
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Cafeteria Worker jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Cafeteria Worker job openings:

Cafeteria Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Worker job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,119 per year, or $15 per hour.

Substitute Cafeteria Worker SY

Manassas City Public Schools

Manassas Park, VA • On-site

$13.90/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Substitute Cafeteria Worker

This position will be available for the 2025-2026 School Year

Job Summary: To efficiently serve food during lunchtime and to assist co-workers in food preparation. To assist with the daily operation of the kitchen as directed by the cafeteria manager. To assist in any and all cafeteria activities as necessitated by the day's workload.

Qualifications:

  • Prefer a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Negative TB test.
  • 3 online professional references, 1 from current supervisor.

Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • General knowledge of food preparation.
  • General knowledge of kitchen operations and those of the equipment.
  • Ability to read and follow recipe directions.
  • Familiarity with health regulations and proper handling of food.
  • Ability to function well under pressure.
  • Flexibility.
  • Ability to maintain a good working relationship with students, parents, and fellow staff.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds.
  • Willingness to work in a hot environment.
  • Serve as role model.

2024-2025 Approved Salary: $13.90/hr

Physical Requirements: Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to: a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.

Candidates with ESL, and foreign language fluency are encouraged to apply.

Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.

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