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Cafeteria Worker Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Marion C. Early RV Schools

Substitute Cook

Morrisville, MO · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Sub Cook, Cafeteria Worker Department: Food Service Reports to: Head Cook Classification: Non-exempt Summary: Sub Cooks and cafeteria workers are responsible for the preparation and delivery of meals ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Nixa, MO · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location ... Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they ...

Central Garden & Pet

Production Worker

Greenfield, MO

$14.25 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description PenPak II Production Worker Pennington Seed/Central Garden & Pet Company is a leader in the lawn care and birdseed industry. We seek a highly motivated, conscientious, and trustworthy ...

Central Garden & Pet

Production Worker

Greenfield, MO

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description PenPak II Production Worker Pennington Seed/Central Garden & Pet Company is a leader in the lawn care and birdseed industry. We seek a highly motivated, conscientious, and trustworthy ...

Central Garden & Pet

Production Worker

Greenfield, MO

$14.25 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description PenPak II Production Worker Pennington Seed/Central Garden & Pet Company is a leader in the lawn care and birdseed industry. We seek a highly motivated, conscientious, and trustworthy ...

Trinity Services Group

Food Service Worker

Ozark, MO · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our ideal Food Service Worker excels at the following: * Passionate about food and service * Has a solid understanding of food handling regulations * Desire to always learn more * Ability to work as ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Drury University - 900 North Benton Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802. Note: online applications accepted only.

Ozark School District

Nutrition Services Part-Time

Ozark, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

... cafeteria, cleaning utensils and equipment and cashiering as part of providing a quality food ... Assists as required in working with special functions and catered events. Attends department ...

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All JobsCafeteria Worker JobsCafeteria Worker Jobs in Springfield, MO

Cafeteria Worker information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do cafeteria worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria worker in Springfield, MO is $13.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.35 and $14.42 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 job categories do people searching Cafeteria Worker jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Worker jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Cafeteria Worker jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Cafeteria Worker job openings:

Cafeteria Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Worker job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,209 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

Cafeteria cashier

Springfield Catholic Schools

Springfield, MO • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Cafeteria
Date Posted:
3/18/2026
Location:
Immaculate Conception School
Date Available:
03/30/2026
Springfield Catholic Schools is hiring a Cafeteria Cashier at Immaculate Conception School. For the 2026-2027 school year.
Our Mission at Springfield Catholic Schools prepares and empowers students, in an atmosphere of academic excellence, with God's help, to be sent forth as disciples of the Catholic faith and models of service. Springfield Catholic Schools System is made up of 3 elementary schools and 1 high school.
Cafeteria cashier
Starting pay is $15.00 per hour
10 hours per week, Monday through Friday; 2 hours a day
Employment is for 10-Months, August through May
Job Includes:
Operation of the cash register, ensure that cafeteria sales are accurately transacted
Restocking drinks and food areas
Requirements:
VIRTUS certification is required - provided by the school
Application procedure: go to scspk12.org, select "about" and then employment opportunities
In you have any questions please email Mrs. Kelsey McLemore at kmclemore@scspk12.org.

Apply