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Cafeteria Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Catoctin Elementary School

Cafeteria Monitor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Position Overview This is a part-time employee working in the school lunchroom in an elementary school. Roles and Responsibilities * An employee in this class is responsible for overseeing students ...

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Cafeteria information

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$10

$16

$22

How much do cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria in Washington is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.98 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 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Cafeteria jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria jobs in Washington? For Cafeteria jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cafeteria jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Cafeteria jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Cafeteria jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Cafeteria job openings:
Cafeteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,879 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

FY27: Cafeteria Worker I, James Hubert Blake HS, 2hrs/10mos, Ad Closes 8/11/26

Montgomery County Public Schools

Rockville, MD • On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Montgomery County Public Schools (Virginia) rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

219th of 629 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Summary Description:
Under supervision of a manager, supervisor or field manager, performs the routine duties involved in the production and serving of food and in cleaning kitchen facilities and equipment. This is the entry and general helper level in the school meals program. Employees in this class receive on-the-job training in the basic food production and cafeteria operations from manager and other Division of Food and Nutrition Services staff.Physical Demands:Ability to perform work requiring sustained moderate physical effort, movement of objects weighing 40-60 pounds, operation of commercial food service equipment, continuous standing and extreme variations in temperature.Special Requirements:Ability to perform work requiring sustained moderate physical effort, movement of objects weighing 40-60 pounds, operation of commercial food service equipment, continuous standing and extreme variations in temperature.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Ability to work with students, teachers and school leadership staff demonstrating the seven SSPGS core competencies.Knowledge of basic food production. Ability to follow HACCP guidelines for safe food handling from receiving to service.Ability to practice standard sanitation procedures for care and cleaning of kitchen equipment.Ability to learn standard school cafeteria operations.Ability to gather necessary menu items, recipe ingredients and supplies. Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to effectively communicate to meet the needs of all customers:students, school staff and community. Basic human relations skills needed to work cooperatively in close proximity with others under constant deadlines. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
Education Training Experience:
Completion of the ninth grade required. High School or GED diploma preferred. Experience with food preparation techniques and safety procedures. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.Certificate License:Valid Class C noncommercial driver^s license. Sanitation certification required or obtain this certification during the first six months of employment.

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