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Cafeteria Worker Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Food Service

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$13.50 - $19.92/mo

A public school food service employee - often titled a Food Service Worker or School Nutrition ... Food Service: Serves students and staff from the cafeteria line, ensuring meals meet USDA ...

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Must be able to lift up to 50lbs. Company Description Great working environment.

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Steward

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22/hr

... and the cafeteria. * Maintain a respectful working relationship with management staff and other employees. * Follow all procedures when responding to any hotel emergency or safety situation.

Steward

Irvine, CA · On-site

$22/hr

... and the cafeteria. * Maintain a respectful working relationship with management staff and other employees. * Follow all procedures when responding to any hotel emergency or safety situation.

Universal Production Worker Location : Companion Animal - Highland, Illinois - 80 Executive Drive Compensation: $19.75/hour Hours : M-F (6am-2pm) Why join us Get ready to Own your career as a ...

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Cafeteria Worker information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do cafeteria worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria worker in Riverside, CA is $15.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.54 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.

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria Worker jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Cafeteria Worker jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Worker jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Worker jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Cafeteria Worker jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Cafeteria Worker job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Worker job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,207 per year, or $15 per hour.

CAFETERIA WORKER

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$19.43 - $23.64/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

CAFETERIA WORKER at San Bernardino City Unified Share on X Print Application Deadline 9/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 8/12/2026 Contact Tamara Booker 909-381-1280 Number of Openings Not Specified Salary Pay Range $19.43 - $23.64 Per Hour Add'l Salary Info Salary Range 28A Length of Work Year Positions in this class work 2-6 hours and 9-12 months. Employment Type Part Time Requirements / Qualifications For complete details on the position, including requirements and qualifications, please visit the job description using the link below. https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/sanbernardinousd/classspecs/893412?keywords=cafeteria%20worker&pagetype=classSpecifications Requirements / Qualifications For complete details on the position, including requirements and qualifications, please visit the job description using the link below

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/sanbernardinousd/classspecs/893412?keywords=cafeteria%20worker&pagetype=classSpecifications Links Related To This Job SBCUSD Nondiscrimination Policy View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem

CalPERS Links Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only. CalPERS Retirement Benefits ADD TO WISHLIST VIEW JOB WISHLIST APPLY (Current Employees ONLY) APPLY QUICK APPLY.