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Cafeteria Worker Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

OATS Transit

Driver - Ava, MO.

Ava, MO · On-site

$17.01/hr

Life Insurance- Company-paid life insurance for employees working 22+ hours/week. * Flexible Spending Account- Cafeteria Plan, Section 125. * 403(b) Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan- Voluntary retirement ...

OATS INC

Driver - Ava, MO.

Ava, MO · On-site

$17.01/hr

Life Insurance- Company-paid life insurance for employees working 22+ hours/week. * Flexible Spending Account- Cafeteria Plan, Section 125. * 403(b) Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan- Voluntary retirement ...

OATS Transit

Driver - Ava, MO.

Ava, MO · On-site

$17.01/hr

Life Insurance- Company-paid life insurance for employees working 22+ hours/week. * Flexible Spending Account- Cafeteria Plan, Section 125. * 403(b) Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan- Voluntary retirement ...

Aramark

Food Service Manager

Springfield, MO · On-site

Lead the front of the house of the dining operation (Cafeteria/ Residential Dining Facility) in ... Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with other departments to a unified food ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff

Marshfield, MO · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Clean kitchen and cafeteria areas including equipment and dishes. * Keep inventory stock organized ... Report any unsafe working conditions to the appropriate supervisor. Participates in the safety ...

Prestige Maintenance USA

Custodian - H3012

Springfield, MO

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

This includes general cleaning (restroom, offices, cafeteria, sales floor, others as assigned ... working conditions such as hours and timekeeping * Performs assignments according to company ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff Substitute

Greenfield, MO · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

Clean kitchen and cafeteria areas including equipment and dishes. * Keep inventory stock organized ... Report any unsafe working conditions to the appropriate supervisor. Participates in the safety ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff Substitute

Billings, MO · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Clean kitchen and cafeteria areas including equipment and dishes. * Keep inventory stock organized ... Report any unsafe working conditions to the appropriate supervisor. Participates in the safety ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff Substitute

Marshfield, MO · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Clean kitchen and cafeteria areas including equipment and dishes. * Keep inventory stock organized ... Report any unsafe working conditions to the appropriate supervisor. Participates in the safety ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 20, 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.
More about Cafeteria Worker jobs

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.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Fresh Ideas

Springfield, MO • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

  • 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.
  • Schedule: Part time schedules; Days and hours may vary. Flexibility included. More details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: Prior food service experience is required. 
  • Fixed Pay Rate:  $15.00 per hour.

Fresh Ideas Management is a dynamic food service management company that believes good food is a powerful thing.  Food brings people together and food creates memories. 

Fresh Ideas encourages creativity by creating fun working environments for our teams! Our diverse teams enjoy a workplace where creativity, openness and innovation flow free and new, Fresh Ideas are encouraged. Our team-members are excited about creating delicious, unique and engaging dining experiences for our guests.

Fresh Ideas offers a full benefits package, flexible schedules that respect one of our core values, work life balance, and ongoing training and development opportunities.  This, along with our rapid growth, means accelerated promotion opportunities for every motivated Fresh Ideas team member!

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Job Summary


Summary: Prepares, presents and serves food as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables.
  • Weighs and measures designated ingredients.
  • Carries pans, kettles and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator in accordance with safety standards.
  • Stores food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Cleans work areas, equipment and utensils.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment.
  • Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Serves customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service.
  • Resolves customer concerns and relays relevant information to supervisor.
  • Ensures compliance with company service standards and inventory and cash control procedures.
  • Assures compliance with all sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits:
•    Medical
•    Dental
•    Vision
•    Life Insurance/ AD
•    Disability Insurance
•    Retirement Plan
•    Paid Time Off
•    Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
•    Associate Shopping Program
•    Health and Wellness Programs
•    Discount Marketplace
•    Identity Theft Protection
•    Pet Insurance
•    Commuter Benefits
•    Employee Assistance Program
•    Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FreshIdeas.pdf

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry


Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. 
 
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Fresh Ideas maintains a drug-free workplace.