1

Cafeteria Workers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cafeteria Worker

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

The Toms River Regional Schools Food Services Department is seeking Substitute Cafeteria Workers for our school kitchens. The substitute position entails working in the kitchen 3 to 3 1/2 hours a day ...

Cafeteria Server

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$12/hr

$12.00/Hour 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM Cafeteria workers prepare and serve meals to students and staff. Clean utensils and cooking/storage equipment. Clean and Sanitize serving areas each day. Follow food ...

Cafeteria Server

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$12/hr

$12.00/Hour 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM Cafeteria workers prepare and serve meals to students and staff. Clean utensils and cooking/storage equipment. Clean and Sanitize serving areas each day. Follow food ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cafeteria Workers information

See salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do cafeteria workers jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria workers 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cafeteria Worker, and why are they important?

To excel as a Cafeteria Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, hygiene knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and point-of-sale (POS) systems are commonly required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management skills help individuals stand out in this fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure efficient service, safe food handling, and a positive dining experience for customers.

What are cafeteria workers?

Cafeteria workers are staff members responsible for preparing, serving, and sometimes cooking food in cafeterias found in schools, hospitals, businesses, and other institutions. Their duties often include setting up food stations, maintaining cleanliness, restocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. They may also operate cash registers, assist with menu planning, and provide customer service to patrons. Cafeteria workers play a crucial role in ensuring that meals are served efficiently and hygienically. Their work supports the daily operations of food service establishments and contributes to the well-being of the people they serve.

What are some common challenges cafeteria workers face during busy meal periods, and how can they manage them effectively?

Cafeteria workers often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch hours, when lines are long and customers expect quick service. Managing these challenges typically involves strong teamwork, staying organized, and maintaining clear communication with both kitchen staff and front-line servers. Many cafeterias use prep lists, coordinated break schedules, and efficient serving systems to keep operations running smoothly. Workers who adapt to fast-paced environments and remain calm under pressure tend to succeed and find satisfaction in these roles.
More about Cafeteria Workers jobs
What cities are hiring for Cafeteria Workers jobs? Cities with the most Cafeteria Workers job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Cafeteria Workers jobs? The top employers for Cafeteria Workers jobs are:
What states have the most Cafeteria Workers jobs? States with the most job openings for Cafeteria Workers jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Workers job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 61% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Cafeteria Worker

Trenton Special School District

Pontiac, MI • On-site

$19K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Cafeteria Staff

Term of Employment: 190 Day Assignment

Immediate Supervisor: Cafeteria Manager


QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Must be able to read, write and speak English.
  2. Do simple arithmetic and follow oral and written directions.
  3. Must have the capacity to grasp and adjust to new and changing situations.
  4. Transportation to and from work.
  5. This job may require lifting objects that exceed 40 lbs., with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

JOB GOAL: A school cafeteria worker is an employee who performs the duties and assumes the responsibilities assigned by the cafeteria manager.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Perform efficiently and to the best of his or her ability the duties assigned in relation to preparation of food, serving of food, cleaning all areas of the kitchen, and other assigned duties in the time allotted.
  2. Attend training meetings as required.
  3. Report to work at designated time, clock in and out utilizing the time clock system, and remains on the job until dismissed by the manager.
  4. Attendance is an essential function of this job
  5. Cook and prepare foods by using USDA quantity recipes
  6. Notify manager at the earliest possible time when unable to work.
  7. Ability and willingness to follow instructions, either written or oral.
  8. Operate and maintain large food service kitchen equipment.
  9. Maintain pleasant working relations with the manager and fellow employees by demonstrating consideration for others, and other desirable traits.
  10. Follow all policies of the School Board and instructions of the manager relating to safety measures, sanitation practices, personnel standards, work techniques, and methods of performing duties.
  11. Perform duties involved in the safe preparation and handling of food, cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and facilities, serving of food, cashiering, and recordkeeping that are assigned by the cafeteria manager.
  12. Perform other school food duties as assigned by the cafeteria manager.

Cafeteria workers are assigned to positions ranging from 3.5 hours to 6.5 hours per day. They may be assigned or transferred to any school cafeteria in the district as needed. Evaluation of job will be performed on a semi-annual basis. Salary is established by the Board.

EVALUATION: Conducted by the Cafeteria Manager


The Trenton Special School District offers its program and employment to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, age, national origin, gender or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.