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Cafeteria Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

VVS INC

Cafeteria Assistant Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Job Duties: * Oversee 10 - 15 employees on a daily basis including: hiring, training, discipline, and terminations. * Prepare weekly menus and recipes to be served to our customers. * Follow all Food ...

VVS INC

Cafeteria Assistant Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Job Duties: * Oversee 10 - 15 employees on a daily basis including: hiring, training, discipline, and terminations. * Prepare weekly menus and recipes to be served to our customers. * Follow all Food ...

Boyd Gaming

Employee Cafeteria Cook

Dubuque, IA

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Company Description Boyd Gaming Corporation has been successful in gaming jurisdiction in which we operate in the United States and is one of the premier casino entertainment companies in the United ...

Boyd Gaming

Employee Cafeteria Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Company Description Boyd Gaming Corporation has been successful in gaming jurisdiction in which we operate in the United States and is one of the premier casino entertainment companies in the United ...

East Union Community Schools

Food Service Substitute

Afton, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Support - Position - Food Service/Cafeteria Staff Job Number 8600041645 Start Date Open Date Closing Date East Union CSD is seeking reliable Food Service Substitutes to assist in the daily operation ...

Twin Cedars Community School District

Cook

Bussey, IA · On-site

$12/hr

Support - Position - Food Service/Cafeteria Staff Grades K-12 Job Number 8600047402 Start Date Open Date 08/11/2026 Closing Date Twin Cedars CSD is looking for a cook for the 26/27 school year. If ...

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Cafeteria information

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$8

$13

$18

How much do cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria in Iowa is $13.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $14.90 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, or other institutions that provide meals. Their responsibilities typically include setting up food stations, maintaining cleanliness, following food safety regulations, and assisting customers with their meal selections. They may also handle cash registers, restock supplies, and clean dining areas to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for patrons. Cafeteria workers play an important role in making sure that nutritious meals are served efficiently and safely.

What are cafeteria jobs?

A cafeteria worker helps provide a dining service for employees or visitors. They may work for a school, hospital, or other organization. There are multiple duties and responsibilities associated with cafeteria work, such as creating a menu, working in the kitchen, serving food, or providing food preparation services. For a cafeteria to be efficient, the people working there have to operate as a team. Other duties of a cafeteria worker include following hygienic practices, cleaning and maintaining equipment, ensuring that condiments and similar items are full and ready for use, and collecting payment.

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 typically need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are often required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management skills help you excel in a fast-paced environment. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient, safe food service and a positive dining experience for customers.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria staff and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafeteria staff often face challenges such as managing high-volume meal service during peak times, maintaining food safety standards, and coordinating efficiently with team members. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work quickly under pressure are essential for success. Many cafeterias provide ongoing training and foster a collaborative team environment to help staff manage these challenges and ensure a positive experience for both employees and patrons.

What is the difference between Cafeteria vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCafeteriaFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentSchool or institutional cafeteriasRestaurants, cafeterias, catering
Industry UsageEducational institutions, corporate cafeteriasFood service industry, hospitality
Job RolePrepare and serve food in a cafeteria settingAssist in food prep, serve customers, maintain cleanliness

While both Cafeteria workers and Food Service Workers operate in food service environments, Cafeteria staff typically work in institutional settings like schools or corporate cafeterias, focusing on serving large groups. Food Service Workers have a broader role across various food establishments, including restaurants and catering services, often involving more diverse responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on their skills and career goals.

More about Cafeteria jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria jobs in Iowa?

For Cafeteria jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cafeteria jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Cafeteria job openings:

Cafeteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,096 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

Cafeteria Assistant Manager

Northeast Iowa Community College

Peosta, IA • On-site

$16.39/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Posting Details Position Information Position Title Cafeteria Assistant Manager Posting Number S00506 Full-Time/Part-Time Part Time Work Schedule 28 hours per week. Salary $16.39/hour - Pay Grade: 4 Campus/Center Peosta Location Peosta, Iowa Position Summary Information Job Goal To assist cafeteria manager in all areas of planning, purchasing, and preparing food for students, staff, and guests. Leads cafeteria operations in the absence of the manager. Duties and Responsibilities Demonstrate the values of the college through prompt and courteous service. Prepare menu items as directed. Establish portion controls in relation to food pricing. Plan for usage of foods and supplies as needed to minimize food waste. Supervise the food services cash register activities and train on the cash register processes. Provide an accounting of daily sales and process receipts to the Business Office in the absence of the manager. Process and supervise debit/credit card transactions as required Supervise and assist with serving during scheduled meals. Assist in training and overseeing of cafeteria staff. Maintain the food service area in accordance with state regulations (dishes, pans, etc.). Supervise and assist in utensil and equipment washing in compliance with state regulations. Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and food preparation areas in accordance with state regulations. Assist with catering services for internal college events as directed. Work collaboratively with other departments for college events. Attend college meetings and serve on committees as requested. Promote cafeteria services to college employees and students. Report needed repairs of kitchen equipment to Cafeteria Manager. Training and mentoring college work study employees as needed. Must be able to demonstrate effective practices of maintaining privacy and security of vendor, employee, and student information. Assist in any other food service functions as deemed necessary. Qualifications High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum of two years as a restaurant or institutional cook and/or food preparation experience. Essential Functions Work collaboratively with other departments for college events. Attend college meetings and serve on committees as requested. Promote cafeteria services to college employees and students. Report needed repairs of kitchen equipment to Cafeteria Manager. Training and mentoring college work study employees as needed. Must be able to demonstrate effective practices of maintaining privacy and security of vendor, employee, and student information. Assist in any other food service functions as deemed necessary. Posting Detail Information Open Date 08/28/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

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