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Dietary Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Rochester, MN · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Prepare and cook meals according to menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines * Ensure food is cooked to proper temperatures and served attractively * Assist with menu planning and special diets as ...

Cook

Rochester, MN

$14.75 - $20/hr

Prepare and cook meals according to menus, recipes, and dietary guidelines * Ensure food is cooked to proper temperatures and served attractively * Assist with menu planning and special diets as ...

Server

Eyota, MN · On-site

$15.19 - $17.63/hr

Your Superpowers) Support Meal Preparation & Service: * Assist in preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with resident care plans and dietary guidelines. * Set up dining ...

We are looking for health coaches with: * at least a 4 year Nutrition and Dietetics degree, with at ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

We are looking for health coaches with: * at least a 4 year Nutrition and Dietetics degree, with at ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

We are looking for health coaches with: * at least a 4 year Nutrition and Dietetics degree, with at ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

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Dietary Assistant information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$8

$18

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How much do dietary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for dietary assistant in Rochester, MN is $18.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $25.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dietary assistant?

A dietary assistant works in a medical care facility, providing nutritional aid to patients, preparing meals and serving food in a dining hall or in client rooms. Your duties include helping to prepare weekly menus, addressing any special dietary needs a patient may have, and maintaining inventory in the kitchen. Depending on your patients, you may also take notes on the amounts and kinds of food a client consumes to provide dietitians and overseeing physicians with data to aid in diagnosis and care. A career as a dietary assistant requires at least a high school diploma and some previous job experience in the food industry. Customer service skills, working knowledge of health codes, safe food handling practices, and an understanding of dietary principles will set you apart from other candidates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dietary assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dietary Assistant, you need knowledge of basic nutrition, food safety protocols, and experience with food preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dietary management software, and adherence to sanitation standards are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork help ensure meals meet dietary guidelines and customer needs. These skills are crucial for maintaining food quality, safety, and satisfaction in healthcare or food service environments.

What are some common challenges faced by dietary assistants in healthcare settings, and how can they be managed?

Dietary Assistants in healthcare environments often work in fast-paced settings where they must balance multiple tasks, such as preparing special diets, delivering meals on time, and adhering to strict sanitation guidelines. One common challenge is ensuring patients with specific dietary needs receive appropriate meals, which requires careful attention to detail and clear communication with nursing and dietary staff. To manage these challenges, staying organized, following established protocols, and actively collaborating with the nutrition team can help ensure high-quality, safe food service. Continuous training and open communication with supervisors also play a key role in overcoming daily hurdles.

What is the difference between Dietary Assistant vs Nutrition Aide?

AspectDietary AssistantNutrition Aide
CertificationsOften requires a food service or healthcare-related certificationMay require similar food service certifications, less specialized
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, clinics, community health settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists with meal prep, serving, and dietary needs of patientsSupports meal distribution, assists with dietary guidelines

Both roles involve assisting with meal services in healthcare settings, but Dietary Assistants often have more responsibilities related to meal preparation and dietary needs, while Nutrition Aides focus on meal distribution and supporting dietary guidelines. They share similar certifications and work environments, making them closely related roles in the healthcare food service industry.

What qualifications do you need to be a dietary assistant?

To become a dietary assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions require completion of a food service or nutrition-related training program, and basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation is often necessary. Certification in food handling or safety may be preferred by employers.
More about Dietary Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Dietary jobs in Rochester, MN?

The most popular types of Dietary jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Dietary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Dietary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Dietary Assistant job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,095 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE (DIETARY AIDE)

Compass Group

Rochester, MN • On-site

$21.69/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,090 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 492 rated business services


Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full time PATIENT DINING ASSOCIATE (DIETARY AIDE) positions.
  • Location: Mayo Clinic Methodist - 201 West Center Street, Rochester, MN 55905. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule. Days and hours may vary; rotating weekends are required. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous dietary aide or food service experience required.
  • Perks: Weekend shift differentials!
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $21.69 per hour

Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself. At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a culture that values caring for people, fostering belonging, and creating moments that truly matter. Here, your work has purpose: to nourish patients, caregivers, and communities while upholding the highest standards of detail, quality, and excellence in every meal served.
For more than 70 years, Morrison has supported leading health systems nationwide with culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our commitments, and believe in helping one another achieve more together by realizing our unlimited potential.
Job Summary
Patient Dining Associates work on assigned units in a healthcare facility, and provide services that include helping patients make menu selections, assemble, deliver and pick-up their meal trays. They are part of the caregiving team, responsible for patient safety and satisfaction goals by making sure meals are accurate and delivered at the right time and temperature.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Help patients understand their menu selections and work with nursing to ensure sure their orders comply with their nutritional requirements or restrictions.
  • Work with the caregivers and culinary team to determine menu alternatives for patients with food allergies and sensitivities; cultural, ethnic and religious preferences; or when a patient inquires about additional selections.
  • Manage tray tickets and assemble meals according to each patient's menu selection in a timely and accurate manner. Retrieve trays from patient rooms at assigned times.
  • Complies with regulator agency standards, including federal, state and JCAHO. Adhere to facility confidentiality and the patient's rights policy as outlined in the facility's Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies and procedures.
  • Follows Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines when handling food, cleaning work stations and breaking down patient tray line.
  • Follows facility and department infection control policies and procedures.
  • Assist dietitians, such as helping monitor patients who cannot eat food through their mouth, are on liquid diets or have a specific calorie count to manage.
  • Communicate problems or concerns with patients to appropriate personnel in a timely manner, following department procedures.
  • Complete all daily, weekly or monthly reports as outlined in the Morrison Healthcare policies and procedures.
  • Comply with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations, as well as department sanitation procedures.
  • Performs other duties assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Ability to read, write and interpret documents in English.
  • Basic computer and mathematical skills.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds, as well as maneuver and push food delivery carts.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS
  • Full-time and part-time positions are offered the following benefits: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identify Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and other voluntary benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf
Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.
Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.

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