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Cafeteria Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Sets up cafeteria menu boards daily to identify availability and cost for cafeteria customers. * Programs and operates computerized cash register for that days menus and prices. Receives cash and ...

Cafeteria Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$19.75 - $20.15/hr

Provides general support and assistance to all areas in the Cafeteria, including but not limited to cashiering, cash control, serving, handling food products, dish washing, simple cooking, catering ...

Provides general support and assistance to all areas in the Cafeteria, including but not limited to cashiering, cash control, serving, handling food products, dish washing, simple cooking, catering ...

Cafeteria Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$19.75 - $20.15/hr

Provides general support and assistance to all areas in the Cafeteria, including but not limited to cashiering, cash control, serving, handling food products, dish washing, simple cooking, catering ...

Cafeteria Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$19.75 - $20.15/hr

Provides general support and assistance to all areas in the Cafeteria, including but not limited to cashiering, cash control, serving, handling food products, dish washing, simple cooking, catering ...

Cafeteria Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$19.75 - $20.15/hr

Provides general support and assistance to all areas in the Cafeteria, including but not limited to cashiering, cash control, serving, handling food products, dish washing, simple cooking, catering ...

Cafeteria Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$19.75 - $20.15/hr

Provides general support and assistance to all areas in the Cafeteria, including but not limited to cashiering, cash control, serving, handling food products, dish washing, simple cooking, catering ...

Cafeteria Monitor

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

... cafeteria or in areas where meals are served and/or eaten assisting students who need assistance while encouraging good table manners Assists with the cleanliness of the cafeteria Assists in ...

Cafeteria Monitor

Pawtucket, RI

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

... cafeteria or in areas where meals are served and/or eaten assisting students who need assistance while encouraging good table manners Assists with the cleanliness of the cafeteria Assists in ...

Dietary Assistant

Newport, RI · On-site

$18 - $25.82/hr

Performs duties of Cafeteria Cashier and performs other related duties as required. Performs specific ware-washing duties as assigned. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully ...

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Cafeteria information

See Rhode Island salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria in Rhode Island is $14.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $15.53 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.

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

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria jobs in Rhode Island?

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

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Cafeteria jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Cafeteria job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,293 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Cafeteria Assistant

Providence, RI


Brown University Health
Hospitals

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

532nd of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


$19.75 - $20.15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:

  • Under direct supervision, and according to established policies and procedures, receives, sets up, prepares and serves a variety of food products to Cafeteria customers.
  • Assures adequate supply of food and non-food items are available to meet anticipated needs; ensures freshness of items by checking date codes, temperature of holding areas, etc.
  • Maintains cleanliness and sanitation standards for assigned work areas. Provides general support and assistance to all areas in the Cafeteria, including but not limited to cashiering, cash control, serving, handling food products, dish washing, simple cooking, catering, etc.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Sets up cafeteria menu boards daily to identify availability and cost for cafeteria customers.
  • Programs and operates computerized cash register for that days menus and prices. Receives cash and makes change according to food items purchased by visitors and employees. Closes out cash register following an established sequence and places register tapes in cash banks for reconciliation.
  • Receives pre-made and prepared food items from main kitchen in order to set up and maintain food displays and stations, including stocking salads, deli bars, and dairy/donut cases with appropriate products ensuring freshness of items and visual appeal. Turns on appliances such as pizza oven, warmers and coffee urns. Ensures necessary utensils, plates, condiments and related items are available. Prepares cold sandwiches, desserts, salads and vegetables according to established policies, procedures and recipes.
  • Serves food to Hospital employees and visitors according to established portion control procedures using food handling sanitation techniques.
  • Assists in executing the catering program by setting up area, preparing relish trays, deli platters and sandwiches, serving patients, personnel and visitors and handling equipment returns such as chafin dishes, carts, coffee urns, trays and utensils plus handling all charges according to change policy.
  • Rotates to and performs the functions of the following in accordance with established task sheets: cash handling and control, deli, salads, pizza, dish room, supplies, grill and catering.
  • Cleans and maintains equipment, work and serving area ensuring an orderly and sanitary fashion by washing, wiping down and straightening equipment, utensils and counters.
  • Removes unused food from area ensuring product to be saved is stored in accordance with strict guidelines. Assists in setting up for next day menu selections.
  • Checks serving dishes for cracks, etc., checks supplies and general condition of assigned area and makes appropriate recommendations to supervisors prior to meal times.


BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

  • Ability to read, write, understand, and speak English and to perform arithmetic calculations.
  • Interpersonal skills to effectively interact with customer and represent the Food Service Department when serving food or collecting monies.
  • Grammatical and mathematical abilities to read and interpret recipes, prepare products according to standards, prepare menu boards and count money in order to make change.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Up to one month on-the-job training and experience to become familiar with job routine.


WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Physical ability to lift, carry and place moderately heavy supplies, along with ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Exposure to cuts, burns when preparing food items.
  • Hazards are minimized with adherence to established safety procedures.

Pay Range: 

$19.17-$19.17

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type:

Variable M-FR 7-3:30PM Weekends & Holidays

Work Shift:

Evening

Driving Required:

No

Union:

International Brotherhood Teamsters


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