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Elementary School Cafeteria Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orange City Schools

Cafeteria Manager

Moreland Hills, OH · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Moreland Hills Elementary School Cafeteria Manager Moreland Hills Elementary School 6 Hour Shift Monday-Friday When Food Service is in Operation Hours May Vary Hourly wage per negotiated agreement ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Elementary School Cafeteria information

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How much do elementary school cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for elementary school 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 does an elementary school cafeteria worker do?

An elementary school cafeteria worker is responsible for preparing and serving meals to students, ensuring food safety and cleanliness, and helping maintain a friendly dining environment. They may also assist with menu planning, inventory management, and cleaning kitchen and dining areas. Their role is essential in promoting healthy eating habits and supporting the overall well-being of students during the school day.

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

To thrive as an Elementary School 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 (POS) systems, and certifications such as a food handler’s permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a friendly, patient attitude help foster a positive environment for students and staff. These skills ensure safe, efficient meal service and contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of the school community.

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

Staff in an elementary school cafeteria often face challenges such as managing large groups of energetic children, accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions, and maintaining strict food safety standards. Effective communication, teamwork, and organization are essential to ensure smooth meal service and a safe, positive dining environment. Regular training on food safety and allergy protocols, along with clear procedures for handling behavioral issues, can help staff manage these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Elementary School Cafeteria vs Elementary School Teacher?

AspectElementary School CafeteriaElementary School Teacher
Required credentialsFood service certification, food safety trainingTeaching certification, degree in education
Work environmentSchool cafeteria, food service areaClassroom, school hallways
Employer and industry usageSchool districts, food service providersSchool districts, educational institutions
Common search and comparison intentJob duties, qualifications, work environmentJob responsibilities, qualifications, work setting

The Elementary School Cafeteria staff primarily focus on food preparation, serving students, and maintaining food safety within the school cafeteria environment. In contrast, Elementary School Teachers are responsible for delivering educational instruction, managing classrooms, and supporting student learning. While both roles work within the school setting, their credentials, daily tasks, and work environments differ significantly, reflecting their distinct responsibilities in supporting student well-being and education.

How to get a job at an elementary school cafeteria?

To get a job at an elementary school cafeteria, applicants typically need to complete an application process through the school district or individual school, which may include background checks and food safety training. Prior experience in food service or customer service can be helpful, and some positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Availability during school hours and the ability to follow health and safety regulations are important for cafeteria roles.

Is working in an elementary school cafeteria hard?

Working in an elementary school cafeteria involves tasks such as preparing and serving food, cleaning, and maintaining safety standards, which can be physically demanding and require attention to hygiene. The job often requires good communication skills, the ability to work quickly during busy meal times, and adherence to health regulations. Overall, it can be manageable with proper training and organization but may be challenging during peak hours or with difficult students.
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Elementary School Cafeteria jobs near you

Elementary School Cafeteria Manager II

Anchorage School District

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$20.14 - $21.19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Anchorage School District rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

219th of 633 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Elementary School Cafeteria Manager II
Date Posted:
7/15/2026
Location:
TRAILSIDE ELEMENTARY
Date Available:
08/19/2026
Bargaining Unit: Food Service
Work Year: 9 months per year
Work Day: 6.5 hours per day
FTE: .8125, Full Time
Salary: K-7, $20.14 to $21.19 per hour, DOE
Job Summary
The Elementary School Cafeteria Manager II performs daily tasks to ensure meals are prepared on schedule and according to food safety guidelines. The manager inspects food deliveries and maintains sanitary conditions in the kitchen, while keeping records of meals provided following state and federal requirements. The position has a retirement association with the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Job Requirements
The following are required:
  1. A high school diploma or equivalent. Two years of related work experience may be considered in lieu of the education requirement.
  2. One year of food service experience in the area of general food preparation, proper food handling, food safety, and sanitation.
  3. Proficiency in and experience cashiering and working with Microsoft Office.
  4. Must be proficient in basic math such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
  5. Must attend the four-hour ASD Serving It Safe food safety course and pass the associated examination within 21 calendar days from date of hire into the position.

The following are preferred:
  1. One year of supervisory experience, to include planning and directing employees' daily work schedule and tasks.
  2. Evidence of work experience providing training in staff kitchen responsibilities.
  3. Knowledge of pre-plate and centralized food preparation and delivery.
  4. Previous food service experience as food service manager.
  5. Experience working with food service point of sale and inventory management systems.

Essential Job Functions
  1. Responsible for management of all food and supply inventories, ordering, production records, cash handling procedures, bank deposits and timely submission of any required paperwork to the Student Nutrition office.
  2. Performs tasks to ensure meals are prepared on schedule for an estimated number of students.
  3. Monitors and records all kitchen equipment temperatures, proper food heating and cooling times and temperatures according to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements.
  4. Resolves complaints in a timely and equitable manner and communicates concerns to supervisor.
  5. Responsible for training, supervision, and evaluation of school cafeteria assistants.
  6. Coordinates employee timecards and leave requests with supervisor as needed.
  7. Ensures timely preparation of all meal programs, and organizes and assigns work to kitchen staff.
  8. Ensures that regulations pertaining to sanitation and food safety practices are observed and maintained.
  9. Responsible for maintaining National School Lunch Program (NSLP) compliance of Free and Reduced meals at the point of sale, as well as keeping accurate records of the same in accordance with Student Nutrition Department and USDA requirements.
  10. Submits maintenance requests and reports any major maintenance problems to supervisor.
  11. Adheres to all Student Nutrition Department and Anchorage School District policies and procedures.
  12. Responsible for knowing and understanding USDA and State guidelines for meal pattern and service requirements.
  13. Effectively plans, organizes and makes decisions independently in a fast-paced work environment within limited timelines.
  14. Assigns and directs student aides and substitute employees as needed.
  15. Establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships with a broad diversity of students, staff, other Anchorage School District staff, and the public.

Physical /Mental Demands
The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure. The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment.
The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings.
While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Additional Job Information
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job related duties as requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
Anchorage School District (ASD) employees must possess the ability to read and write in English. This also includes the ability to communicate in English with school staff, co-workers, and the public; as well as have the ability to comprehend and carry out oral and written directions and understand and follow English instructions and written documents.
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. For certificated positions, this is in addition to the background check conducted through the certification process with the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).
This position may be required to work in ASD facilities on the military installations (JBER). Please visit the government REAL ID website for additional information.
The Anchorage School District is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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