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Dietary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DIETARY ASSISTANT This position is responsible for assisting with the storage, preparation, sanitation and delivery of food consistent with local, state and federal guidelines. QUALIFICATIONS: * 8th ...

DIETARY ASSISTANT This position is responsible for assisting with the storage, preparation, sanitation and delivery of food consistent with local, state and federal guidelines. QUALIFICATIONS: * 8th ...

Dietary Assistant

Hartford, CT · On-site

$19.63/hr

The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for residents. Responsibilities: * Helps ...

Dietary Assistant Type: Regular If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual ...

Dietary Assistant

Hartford, CT · On-site

$19.63/hr

The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for residents. Responsibilities: * Helps ...

Dietary Assistant

Hartford, CT · On-site

$19.63/hr

The primary role of the Dietary Assistant is to clean food preparation areas and dishes and assist with the preparation of food trays and nourishments for residents. Responsibilities: * Helps ...

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Dietary Assistant information

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$8

$19

$31

How much do dietary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for dietary assistant in the United States is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How do you become a dietary assistant?

To become a dietary assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may complete on-the-job training or a short certification program in food service or nutrition. Some employers prefer candidates with basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and strong communication skills are beneficial for working with patients and staff.
What cities are hiring for Dietary Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Dietary Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dietary jobs? The most popular types of Dietary jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Dietary Assistant jobs? The top employers for Dietary Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Dietary Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Dietary Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dietary Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,045 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Rapides Regional Medical Center rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

990th of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

Rapides Regional Medical Center

Dietary Assistant

PRN


Introduction

Do you have the PRN career opportunities as a Dietary Assistant PRN you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join Rapides Regional Medical Center which is part of the nation's leading provider of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare.

Benefits

Rapides Regional Medical Center, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation.
  • Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more.
  • Fertility and family building benefits through Progyny
  • Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing
  • Family support, including adoption assistance, child and elder care resources and consumer discounts
  • 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Retirement readiness and rollover services and preferred banking partnerships
  • Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships)
  • Colleague recognition program
  • Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence)

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

Our teams are a committed, caring group of colleagues. Do you want to work as a Dietary Assistant PRN where your passion for creating positive patient interactions is valued? If you are dedicated to caring for the well-being of others, this could be your next opportunity. We want your knowledge and expertise!

Job Summary and Qualifications

The Dietary Assistant will perform a variety of food service tasks involved in food preparation, serving, and storage including food portioning, service, delivery, and sanitation. Promotes a supportive, team work-oriented environment. 

What you will do in this role:

  • Promotes meal assistance to patients on a daily basis 
  • Tallies food items in a timely manner to hand over to production 
  • Places items, such as eating utensils, napkins, and condiments on trays 
  • Accurately (according to diet) serves food items, such as sandwiches, salads, soups and beverages 
  • Apportions and places food servings on plate and trays according to EFY standards 
  • Examines filled tray for completeness and places it on cart 
  • Delivers food trays to health care patients observing all hospital regulations on patient identification, isolation, NPO, and hand hygiene 
  • Serves trays to patients following scripting and Cares Behaviors 
  • Washes dishes and cleans work area, tables, cabinets, and ovens 
  • Collects and places garbage and trash in designated containers 
  • Maintains positive working relationships with nursing and unit clerks 
  • Stocks food pantries according to FIFI and par procedures 
  • Prepares and delivers snacks, nourishments, and tube feedings to patients 
  • Verbally communicates patient concerns with clinical dietitian education need, inadequate meal consumption, and other patient concerns 
  • Able to modify job duties and communicate with customers in an age appropriate manner 
  • Willfully performs any other tasks assigned 
  • Wear appropriate PPE (Hair Net, Gloves, etc.) as required in designated areas. 

What qualifications you will need:

  • High School diploma or GED preferred 
  • Food Service and Customer Service experience preferred 

Rapides Regional Medical Center is a 350+ bed hospital and ER in Alexandria, Louisiana. We offer services ranging from Cancer Care to Wound Care. Our medical staff includes doctors in more than 30 medical specialties. At Rapides Regional we believe that well-defined values are the key to nurturing staff and patient satisfaction. By joining our team you contribute to the positive culture of the hospital. This culture impacts the well-being of patients and their families. It also impacts your colleagues, and your own personal job satisfaction. Learn what our commitment to patient satisfaction, service excellence and professional expertise can do for your career.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.


"Bricks and mortar do not make a hospital. People do."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Dietary Assistant PRN opening. We review all applications. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status


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