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Cafeteria Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Worker

Portland, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $24.75/hr

Assists in the preparation of the patients' meals and nourishments; serves cafeteria customers, operates the cash register and performs daily after-meal cleanup. Key Responsibilities: * Demonstrates ...

Assists in the preparation of the patients' meals and nourishments; serves cafeteria customers, operates the cash register and performs daily after-meal cleanup. Key Responsibilities: * Demonstrates ...

Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment for the hospital cafeteria. Sanitize all pots, pans, utensils, and equipment in a timely manner. Support stocking and inventories by shelving and ...

Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment for the hospital cafeteria. Sanitize all pots, pans, utensils, and equipment in a timely manner. Support stocking and inventories by shelving and ...

CNA - Memory Care

Portland, OR · On-site

$22.50 - $28.80/hr

Employee Cafeteria & Discount to onsite dining venues * Free! Public Transportation Passes * Free! Access to our onsite fitness center and pool * PayActiv: Flexible access to earned wages

Caregiver

Portland, OR · On-site

$20 - $25.60/hr

Employee Cafeteria & Discount to onsite dining venues * Free! Public Transportation Passes * Free! Access to our onsite fitness center and pool * PayActiv: Flexible access to earned wages

Caregiver

Portland, OR

$20 - $25.60/hr

Employee Cafeteria & Discount to onsite dining venues * Free! Public Transportation Passes * Free! Access to our onsite fitness center and pool * PayActiv: Flexible access to earned wages

CNA - Memory Care

Portland, OR · On-site

$22.50 - $28.80/hr

Employee Cafeteria & Discount to onsite dining venues * Free! Public Transportation Passes * Free! Access to our onsite fitness center and pool * PayActiv: Flexible access to earned wages

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Cafeteria information

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How much do cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria in Portland, OR is $14.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $16.39 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Cafeteria jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Cafeteria jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Cafeteria job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% 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 $31,722 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Cafeteria Worker I (Part Time, School Year) - Presumpscot Elementary

Portland Public Schools

Portland, OR • On-site

$17.85 - $21.57/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Portland Public Schools (Oregon) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

194th of 635 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Type:
FOOD SERVICE/CAFETERIA WORKER I
Date Posted:
3/18/2026
Location:
Food Service
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
Open until filled
POSITION OVERVIEW: Cafeteria Worker I (Part Time, School Year) - Presumpscot Elementary School
Portland Public Schools is seeking a Cafeteria Worker I for a part-time (0.5 FTE) position at Presumpscot Elementary School. The position is 0.5 FTE and will require 20 hours of work per week (4 hours per day), with a tentative daily schedule of 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Due to fluctuating student lunch schedules and variable needs within the Food Service Department, we are looking for a candidate who can be flexible with regard to schedule and location.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Sufficiently good physical condition with the ability to work long hours will standing
  • Capable of doing paperwork and computerized point of sale
  • Familiar with proper food safety procedures and food preparation, including maintaining personal hygiene, washing and slicing fruit and vegetables, proper food temperatures, avoiding cross-contamination, packaging food to maintain food quality, displaying food attractively, keeping surfaces and work area clean, and washing dishes
  • Ability to follow detailed directions and perform tasks independently after learned
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with co-workers and students
  • Ability to lift at least 30 lbs

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • [Preferred] At least 2 years of experience in food preparation
  • [Preferred] Able to pass and maintain ServSafe certification

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization. Cost $70 (more info).

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
  • Permanent
  • School-year
  • Part Time, 0.5 FTE
  • Eligible for benefits & overtime
  • Schedule: Monday Friday, 9:30 am 1:30 pm
  • Wage range: $17.85-$21.57 (based on experience, per BASE CBA)

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

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