ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cafeteria Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Weaver Union School District

Cafeteria Custodian

Merced, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Job Title Under the direction of the Director of Maintenance & Operations, or designee, perform routine custodial activities at an assigned school site or facility; maintain buildings and adjacent ...

Tenet Health

Food Service Worker

Turlock, CA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nutritional Services Works as a team member of the nutritional Services department, is responsible for tray set up and delivery of food service to patients via tray line, cafeteria, dining room, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCafeteria JobsCafeteria Jobs in Merced, CA

Cafeteria information

See Merced, CA salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria in Merced, CA is $15.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $16.73 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 popular job titles related to Cafeteria jobs in Merced, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Cafeteria jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Cafeteria job openings:

Cafeteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,588 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Cafeteria Worker (Substitute)

Merced City School District

Merced, CA • On-site

$17.27/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Under the direction of Director of Food Services, assist in preparing a wide variety of foods in a school cafeteria; general kitchen and cafeteria work.
Requirements / Qualifications
Comments and Other Information
The Merced City School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability.
Title IX Coordinator, Dawn Hubble, 530 W 21st St (209) 385-6650, dhubble@mcsd.k12.ca.us BP 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs & Activities.
If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Merced City School District will provide you with one upon request.

Apply