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Dining Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Edgewood Healthcare

Dining Assistant

Rapid City, SD · On-site

Paid time off begins accruing day 1 * Health, vision, dental, & HSA plans * 401K plan with employer contribution As a Dining Assistant at Edgewood, you'll help serve meals and provide an outstanding ...

Edgewood Healthcare

Dining Assistant

Fargo, ND · On-site

Paid time off begins accruing day 1 * 401K plan with employer contribution As a Dining Assistant at Edgewood, you'll help serve meals and provide an outstanding dining experience to the most amazing ...

Edgewood Healthcare

Dining Assistant

Meridian, ID · On-site

Paid time off begins accruing day 1 * 401K plan with employer contribution As a Dining Assistant at Edgewood, you'll help serve meals and provide an outstanding dining experience to the most amazing ...

Edgewood Healthcare

Dining Assistant

Mitchell, SD · On-site

$15.75/hr

Paid time off begins accruing day 1 * 401K plan with employer contribution As a Dining Assistant at Edgewood, you'll help serve meals and provide an outstanding dining experience to the most amazing ...

Edgewood Healthcare

Dining Assistant

Hermantown, MN · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Paid time off begins accruing day 1 * Health, vision, dental, & HSA plans * 401K plan with employer contribution As a Dining Assistant at Edgewood, you'll help serve meals and provide an outstanding ...

Ecumen

Dining Assistant

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

The Dining Assistant is responsible for assisting with food preparation, serving and cleanup. This position maintains work area in proper order and follows established policies and procedures of the ...

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Dining Assistant information

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$7

$19

$41

How much do dining assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for dining assistant in the United States is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job pays you to eat food?

A dining assistant typically does not get paid to eat food; their role involves serving, cleaning, and assisting in food service. However, some food critics, taste testers, or food reviewers are paid to sample and evaluate food, often as part of marketing or quality control roles. These positions usually require specific skills, such as palate training or culinary knowledge.

What do dining assistants do?

Dining assistants support food service operations by helping prepare and serve meals, setting tables, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas. They may also assist with customer needs and follow safety and hygiene standards to ensure a positive dining experience.

What are some common challenges faced by Dining Assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Dining Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and effective communication are essential. Common challenges include managing multiple tables during busy meal times, handling special dietary needs, and ensuring customer satisfaction under time constraints. To manage these challenges effectively, it's important to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and maintain a positive attitude even during high-pressure periods. Collaborating closely with kitchen staff and fellow servers also helps ensure smooth service and a supportive team environment.

What does a food service assistant do?

A food service assistant, often called a dining assistant, helps prepare and serve meals in settings such as cafeterias or dining halls. They may set tables, assist with food distribution, maintain cleanliness, and ensure a positive dining experience, often following safety and hygiene standards. Basic knowledge of food handling and customer service skills are typically required.

What is the difference between Dining Assistant vs Food Service Worker?

AspectDining AssistantFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certification or trainingOften requires food handler's permit or certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, senior living facilities, cafeteriasRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Job DutiesAssisting diners, setting tables, serving food, cleaningPreparing, serving, and cleaning up food in various settings

Both roles involve food service and may require similar certifications, but Dining Assistants typically focus on supporting dining experiences in institutional settings, while Food Service Workers often work in restaurants or catering. The roles overlap in customer service and food handling, but their work environments and specific duties differ.

What are dining assistants?

Dining assistants are professionals who support the serving of food and beverages in settings like care homes, hospitals, schools, and restaurants. Their role typically includes setting up dining areas, helping with meal service, assisting individuals who need help eating, and maintaining cleanliness. They play a key part in ensuring meal times are enjoyable and efficient, especially for people who may require additional support. Dining assistants also follow hygiene and safety regulations to ensure a safe dining environment.

What qualifications do I need to be a catering assistant?

To be a catering assistant, there are typically no strict formal qualifications required, but relevant skills include good communication, teamwork, and basic food safety knowledge. Some employers may prefer candidates with previous experience in food service or hospitality, and a food hygiene certificate can be beneficial. Flexibility with working hours and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

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

To thrive as a Dining Assistant, you need basic food service knowledge, attention to hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety protocols, and sometimes a food handler certification is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a friendly demeanor help create a positive dining experience for guests. These skills ensure efficient service, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction in busy dining environments.
More about Dining Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Dining Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Dining Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dining jobs? The most popular types of Dining jobs are:
What states have the most Dining Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Dining Assistant jobs include:
Dining Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dining Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,582 per year, or $19 per hour.

Dining Assistant

The Claiborne at Brickyard Crossing

Summerville, SC

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Claiborne Senior Living is hiring a Dining Assistant (DGA) to help create a welcoming, high-quality dining experience for our residents. If you take ownership of your work, act with integrity, and believe that culture matters, we’d love to have you on our team.

In senior living, dining is more than a meal — it’s connection, comfort, and community.

Why You’ll Love This Role

  • Be part of a team that values service, teamwork, and professionalism
  • Make a meaningful difference in residents’ daily experience
  • Work in a supportive environment where your reliability and focus matter
  • Competitive pay and strong benefits

What You’ll Do

  • Assist with meal preparation and service following standardized recipes and portion guidelines
  • Support residents with special diets and dietary needs as directed
  • Maintain safe food handling, sanitation, and storage practices
  • Keep dining areas clean, organized, and welcoming
  • Provide friendly, attentive service to residents and respond promptly to requests
  • Work collaboratively with the culinary and care teams to ensure a positive dining experience

What We’re Looking For

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Previous food service or hospitality experience preferred (training provided)
  • Knowledge of basic food safety and sanitation standards
  • Strong customer service skills and a positive, team-oriented mindset
  • Ability to remain focused and dependable in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
  • Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed

Benefits

  • Double time pay on major holidays
  • Free employee meals
  • Up to $1,000 employee referral bonus (no limit)
  • Full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life insurance, disability, and EAP

Claiborne Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.

Apply