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Dinner Lady Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Dinner Lady information

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$10

$15

$19

How much do dinner lady jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for dinner lady in the United States is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dinner lady?

Dinner ladies are staff members, typically in schools, who are responsible for supervising children during lunchtime. They help serve food, ensure that students eat their meals, and maintain order in the dining area. Dinner ladies may also assist with clearing tables and promoting good table manners. Their role is important in ensuring a safe and positive lunchtime experience for students.

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

To thrive as a Dinner Lady, you need basic food preparation skills, an understanding of food hygiene, and often a relevant food safety certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment and knowledge of health and safety regulations are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to connect with children are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and friendly delivery of meals to students, supporting a positive school environment.

What are the main challenges dinner ladies face during busy meal times, and how can they manage them effectively?

Dinner Ladies often encounter high volumes of students within a short lunch period, which can be challenging in terms of time management and maintaining order. Effective communication, teamwork, and a calm demeanor are essential to ensure meals are served efficiently and that students are supervised safely. Familiarity with health and safety procedures, as well as being adaptable to unexpected situations, also helps Dinner Ladies manage busy periods smoothly. Building positive relationships with students and staff can further ease the workflow and create a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Dinner Lady vs School Cook?

AspectDinner LadySchool Cook
CredentialsBasic food safety certification, catering experienceFood safety certification, catering experience
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, mainly during school hoursSchool kitchens, preparing meals for students
Employer & IndustrySchools, education sectorSchools, education sector
Job FocusServing meals, maintaining cleanlinessPreparing, cooking, and serving meals

Both roles involve working in school cafeterias and require food safety certifications. A Dinner Lady typically focuses on serving meals and maintaining cleanliness, while a School Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking the meals. The roles are similar but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities within the school catering environment.

More about Dinner Lady jobs

What states have the most Dinner Lady jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dinner Lady jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Dinner Lady jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Dinner Lady jobs are:

Infographic showing various Dinner Lady job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,126 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Lady Caroline - Server

JACOBS ENTERTAINMENT, Inc.

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$15/hr

Temporary

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description
A Legacy of Excellence
Entertaining Your World
Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. (JEI) is a developer, owner and operator of gaming and entertainment facilities across the United States. Core to the company's value is our commitment to ethical leadership, outstanding training, and open employee communication.
Jacobs Entertainment is currently in search of a "Server" for Lady Caroline. Lady Caroline offers a unique opportunity to experience "The Land" from the water, cruising Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River while traveling under historic jackknife bridges and taking in the downtown Cleveland skyline. All regular lunch, brunch and dinner cruises include a freshly prepared buffet and entertainment, while themed events can include dockside happy hours, murder mystery productions, wine tastings and concession-based dining options. Lady Caroline is docked at the Flats West Bank in downtown Cleveland with convenient employee parking.
This position is Seasonal Part-Time to December 2026
Our employees are supported with a comprehensive benefits program that include the following:
  • $200 Referral Bonus
  • Paid Sick Leave available immediately and renews annually-prorated based on average hours worked
  • Employee Assistance Program FREE of charge
  • Matching 401K program after 90 days
  • Ongoing learning and development programs
  • Work towards your future advancement within the company-most of our supervisors and managers are promoted from within

Essential Job Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Arrange tables, chairs, linens
  • Polish and set silverware, china, glassware
  • Arrange centerpieces
  • Assist with guest seating
  • Assist with distributing salads and desserts
  • Pre-bus tables - glassware, silverware, china
  • Operate point-of-sales system
  • Clean dining room at end of cruise

Skills, Education and Other Requirements:
  • Must be available nights, weekends and holidays
  • Friendly and outgoing
  • Able to follow directions
  • Mixology knowledge
  • Able to work accurately in a fast-paced environment
  • Able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand for up to 8 hours during shift
  • Must be 21 years of age
  • Able to do basic math
  • Identification that establishes identity
  • Identification that establishes the right to work in the United States