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Cafeteria Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

Cafeteria Worker

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

Overview Cafeteria Worker Shift: PRN The Food Service Worker I provides safe, timely, and accurate preparation, assembly, delivery, and clean-up of meals and food items for patients, residents, and ...

UnityPoint Health

Cafeteria Worker

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

Cafeteria Worker Shift: PRN The Food Service Worker I provides safe, timely, and accurate preparation, assembly, delivery, and clean-up of meals and food items for patients, residents, and guests.

Bellefonte Area School District

Cafeteria Worker

Bellefonte, PA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

The Bellefonte Area School District is accepting applications for the Cafeteria Worker position Location: Marion-Walker Elementary School Work Day: 3 hours/day (subject to change) Work Year: 180 days ...

St. John Vianney High School

Cafeteria Worker

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Cafeteria Worker Department: Food Services Reports To: Café Manager Location: St. John Vianney High School Employment Type: Part-Time Experience Level: Entry Level (No experience required; on-the ...

Rankin County School District

Cafeteria Worker

Puckett, MS · On-site

$9.25 - $11.75/hr

Cafeteria/Cafeteria Worker Date Posted: 3/17/2026 Location: Puckett High School Date Available: 03/23/2026 Job title: Cafeteria Worker Reports to: Cafeteria Manager Receives guidance from: Cafeteria ...

Coffeeville School District

Cafeteria Worker

Coffeeville, MS · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Non-Certified - Position - Substitute Cafeteria Worker Job Number 4600320562 Start Date 08/03/2026 Open Date Closing Date 12/31/2026 Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma Contact Information ...

Lakewood City Schools

Cafeteria Worker

Lakewood, OH

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Cafeteria Worker : Lakewood High School; 2026-2027school year; five (5) paid hours per day with 30 minutes unpaid lunch; (Scheduled hours around lunch period and as determined by Supervisor ...

Lakewood City Schools

Cafeteria Worker

Lakewood, OH

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Cafeteria Worker: Hayes Elementary School; 2025-2026 school year; three (3) paid hours per day; (Scheduled hours around lunch period and as determined by Supervisor) ; responsible to Nutrition ...

Region 4 Schools

Cafeteria Worker

Deep River, CT · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

2026-2027 Vacancy Cafeteria Worker Valley Regional High School Summary: Responsible for supporting the School Cafeteria Manager and providing assistance in the operation and functions of the ...

Muhlenberg School District

Cafeteria Worker

Reading, PA · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Cafeteria Worker DATE: July 6, 2023 CLASSIFICATION: Support Staff REVISED: July 6, 2023 REPORTS TO: Director of Food Service FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt LOCATION: Schools JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for ...

Rankin County School District

Cafeteria Worker

Flowood, MS · On-site

$11 - $13.75/hr

Cafeteria/Cafeteria Worker Date Posted: 8/7/2025 Location: Flowood Elementary School Date Available: 08/18/2025 Job title: Cafeteria Worker Reports to: Cafeteria Manager Receives guidance from:

Muhlenberg School District

Cafeteria Worker

Reading, PA

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Cafeteria Worker DATE: July 6, 2023 CLASSIFICATION: Support Staff REVISED: July 6, 2023 REPORTS TO: Director of Food Service FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt LOCATION: Schools JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for ...

Lakewood City Schools

Cafeteria Worker

Lakewood, OH

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Cafeteria Worker: Emerson Elementary School; 2025-2026 school year; three (3) paid hours per day; (Scheduled hours around lunch period and as determined by Supervisor) ; responsible to Nutrition ...

Edmond Public Schools

Cafeteria Worker

Edmond, OK · On-site

$14.46 - $15.93/hr

Cafeteria Worker Department: Child Nutrition Immediate Supervisor: Cafeteria Manager JOB OBJECTIVE To assist in the overall duties required to maintain an effective and efficient food preparation ...

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How much do cafeteria worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria worker in the United States is $14.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.87 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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Cafeteria Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, and 71% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Cafeteria Worker

Diboll Independent School District

Diboll, TX • On-site

$10.46/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Type:
Child Nutrition/Cafeteria Worker
Date Posted:
5/15/2026
Location:
Diboll ISD Child Nutrition Dept
Date Available:
08/01/2026
Closing Date:
07/01/2026
Minimum Hourly Rate for full time cafeteria worker for 2026-2027 $10.46
Job Title: Cafeteria Worker Exemption Status/Test: Nonexempt
Reports to: Child Nutrition Manager Date Revised:
Dept./School: Campus Assigned
Primary Purpose:
Work under moderate supervision to prepare and serve appropriate quantities of food to meet menu requirements. Maintain high standards of quality in food production, sanitation, and safety practices.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
None specified
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Ability to understand written and verbal food preparation and safety instructions
Working knowledge of kitchen equipment and food production procedures
Ability to operate large and small kitchen equipment and tools
Ability to perform basic math
Experience:
None
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Food Preparation and Serving
  1. Prepare quality food according to a planned menu of tested and uniform recipes.
  2. Serve food according to meal schedules, departmental policies, and procedures, and practice and promote portion control and proper use of leftovers.
  3. Store and handle food items and supplies safely and according to established procedures. Maintain a clean and organized storage area.

Safety and Sanitation
  1. Operate tools and equipment according to prescribed safety standards, and follow established procedures to meet high standards of cleanliness, health, and safety.
  2. Keep garbage collection containers and areas neat and sanitary.
  3. Correct unsafe conditions in work area and promptly report any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.
  4. Maintain personal appearance and hygiene.

Other
  1. Handle and record cashier functions accurately.
  2. Help record food requisitions and order necessary supplies.
  3. Maintain daily food preparation records.
  4. Promote teamwork and interaction with fellow staff members.
  5. Complete annual continuing education requirements.
  6. All other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard large and small kitchen equipment and tools including electric slicer, mixer, pressure steamer, deep-fat fryer, sharp cutting tools, stove, oven, dishwasher, and food/utility cart
Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stoop, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Continual walking; frequent climbing (ladder), grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, reaching/overhead reaching
Lifting: Frequent moderate lifting and carrying (15 44 pounds)
Environment: Work inside in commercial kitchen environment; exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, extreme humidity, noise, vibration, microwaves, biological hazards (bacteria, mold, fungi), chemical hazards (fumes, vapors, gases), electrical hazards; work with hands in water; work around machinery with moving parts; work on slippery surfaces
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Apply