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Elementary Cafeteria Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Butler Area School District

Cafeteria Monitor

Butler, PA · On-site

$10.75 - $13.50/hr

Support/Cafeteria Monitor Date Posted: 12/9/2024 Location: Northwest ElementaryNorthwest Elementary is searching for a Cafeteria Monitor to assist students in the cafeteria during lunch periods.

Butler Area School District

Cafeteria Monitor

Butler, PA · On-site

$10.75 - $13.50/hr

Northwest Elementary is searching for a Cafeteria Monitor to assist students in the cafeteria during lunch periods. Interested applicants should visit Northwest Elementary, or contact 724.214.4100.

Region 4 Schools

Cafeteria Worker

Chester, CT · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Chester Elementary School Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: Open until filled 2025-2026 Vacancy Cafeteria Worker Chester Elementary School Summary: Responsible for supporting the School Cafeteria ...

Region 4 Schools

Cafeteria Worker

Deep River, CT · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Deep River Elementary School Date Available: 08/21/2026 Closing Date: Open until filled 2026-2027 Vacancy Cafeteria Worker Deep River Elementary School Summary: Responsible for supporting the School ...

Trumbull Public Schools

Cafeteria Aide

Trumbull, CT · On-site

Position Type: Food Services/Cafeteria Aide Date Posted: 7/17/2026 Location: Frenchtown Elementary School Date Available: 8/27/26 Closing Date: Until Filled Cafeteria Aide to help supervising ...

Region 4 Schools

Cafeteria Worker

Centerbrook, CT · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Essex Elementary School Date Available: 08/20/2026 Closing Date: Open until filled 2026-2027 Vacancy Cafeteria Worker Essex Elementary School Summary: Responsible for supporting the School Cafeteria ...

Trumbull Public Schools

Cafeteria Aide

Trumbull, CT · On-site

Food Services/Cafeteria Aide Date Posted: 7/8/2026 Location: Jane Ryan Elementary School Date Available: 8/27/26 Closing Date: Until Filled Cafeteria Aide to help supervising students in the ...

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Elementary Cafeteria information

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How much do elementary cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for elementary cafeteria in the United States is $16.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by staff working in an elementary cafeteria, and how can they be managed?

Elementary cafeteria staff often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of energetic children, accommodating various dietary restrictions, and ensuring food safety standards are maintained. Effective communication with teachers and school administrators is key to coordinating mealtimes and addressing any student-specific needs. Additionally, teamwork and flexibility help staff adapt to busy periods and unexpected situations, creating a positive and efficient environment for students.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an elementary cafeteria worker?

To thrive as an Elementary Cafeteria Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and sometimes a food handler's certification is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and a friendly demeanor help build rapport with students and staff. These skills ensure safe, efficient meal service and contribute to a positive dining environment for young students.

What is an elementary cafeteria worker?

Elementary cafeteria workers are staff members responsible for preparing, serving, and sometimes planning nutritious meals for students in elementary schools. They ensure that food is handled safely and meets the dietary guidelines required for growing children. Their duties often include food preparation, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting students during meal times. In addition to food service, they help create a welcoming and safe environment for all students during breakfast and lunch periods.

How to get a job at an elementary school cafeteria?

To get a job as an elementary school cafeteria worker, applicants typically need to complete an application process through the school district or individual school, often including a background check and food safety training. Prior experience in food service or customer service can be helpful, and some positions may require a food handler's permit. Availability during school hours and the ability to work in a team environment are also important.

What is the difference between Elementary Cafeteria vs School Cook?

AspectElementary CafeteriaSchool Cook
CredentialsFood service certification often requiredFood handler's permit usually needed
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeteria, serving studentsKitchen, preparing and cooking meals
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsSchool cafeterias, educational institutions
Job FocusOverseeing meal service, maintaining cleanlinessCooking, meal preparation, food safety

Elementary Cafeteria staff typically oversee meal service and manage the cafeteria environment, while School Cooks focus on preparing and cooking meals. Both roles require food safety certifications and work within school food service settings, but their primary responsibilities differ—one manages service and operations, the other handles meal preparation.

Is working in an elementary school cafeteria hard?

Working as an elementary cafeteria worker involves tasks such as food preparation, serving students, and maintaining cleanliness, which can be physically demanding and require attention to safety and hygiene standards. The job often involves early hours, standing for long periods, and managing a fast-paced environment during meal times.
What cities are hiring for Elementary Cafeteria jobs? Cities with the most Elementary Cafeteria job openings:
What states have the most Elementary Cafeteria jobs? States with the most job openings for Elementary Cafeteria jobs include:
Elementary Cafeteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various Elementary Cafeteria job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,270 per year, or $17 per hour.

Cafeteria Assistant (3.5 hours)/Bus Driver - optional

Wayne County Public Schools

Goldsboro, NC • On-site

$15.60/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
School Nutrition/Cafeteria Assistant/Bus Driver
Date Posted:
3/23/2026
Location:
Spring Creek Elementary
Cafeteria Assistant/Bus Driver (Temporary Ending June 11, 2026 - No Benefits)
Wayne County Public Schools
Job Description
Class: Classified
Dept: Child Nutrition
TITLE: Cafeteria Assistant/Bus Driver
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. High School degree or equivalent.
  2. Serve as a Bus Driver/Sub Bus Driver for a school bus as required by the principal. Shall have all qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education and must maintain appropriate bus driver certification at all times.

REPORTS TO: Cafeteria Manager
JOB GOAL: To assist in the preparation, sale, and service of food for the food service program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Follow all rules, policies, and procedures, along with state and federal regulations relevant to the child nutrition department.
2. Assist in the preparation of food.
3. Clean and wash dishes/equipment.
4. Collect money and ID cards during meals, make reports of lunches and collections, and tabulate paid, free, and reduced price meal counts.
5. Participate in training programs.
6. Keep the area neat and clean.
7. Perform related duties and responsibilities as requested by the Principal or Cafeteria Manager.
Terms of Employment: Ten-month work year/At Will/FLSA Non-Exempt
Starting Salary and/or Grade: Grade 04C: ($15.60 per hour)
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board and local policy on evaluation of personnel.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrate functional knowledge of basic principles of food cookery.
  • Demonstrate functional knowledge of food service equipment.
  • Ability to be mentally alert and apply knowledge applicable to the job.
  • Ability to follow written recipes and instructions.
  • Ability to operate dishwasher, food grinder, mixer, meat slicer, range, ovens, refrigerator, and freezer.
  • Ability to operate a computer, and a calculator, correctly and accurately, as well as make change rapidly.
  • Physical ability (able to exert up to 25 pounds of force)

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