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Food Handler Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Food Service Worker

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$800 - $1.2K/wk

Willingness to obtain a local food-handler or safety certificate (e.g., ServSafe) if required. We provide training. Physical Demands & Environment * Standing or walking for extended periods during a ...

New

Sentara

Food Service Worker I

Newtown, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Food Handlers Card required in the city of Norfolk Click to hear Sylvia tell us about a day in the life of a Food Service Worker with Sentara Health. Education * High School Grad or Equivalent ...

Sentara Healthcare

Food Service Worker I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Food Handlers Card required in the city of Norfolk Click to hear Sylvia tell us about a day in the life of a Food Service Worker with Sentara Health. Education * High School Grad or Equivalent ...

Sentara

Food Service Worker I

Newtown, VA · On-site

$10K/mo

Food Handlers Card required in the city of Norfolk Click to hear Sylvia tell us about a day in the life of a Food Service Worker with Sentara Health. Education * High School Grad or Equivalent ...

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All JobsFood Handler JobsFood Handler Jobs in Virginia

Food Handler information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do food handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food handler in Virginia is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food handler?

Food handlers are individuals who work in environments where they prepare, serve, or handle food, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing facilities. Their responsibilities include following food safety procedures, maintaining cleanliness, and preventing contamination to ensure food is safe for consumption. Food handlers may work as cooks, servers, kitchen staff, or in roles that involve direct contact with food or food preparation surfaces. Many regions require food handlers to complete specific training or obtain a certification to ensure they understand proper hygiene and safety practices.

What are some common challenges food handlers face in maintaining food safety standards, and how can they overcome them?

Food handlers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with strict hygiene protocols during busy periods, preventing cross-contamination, and consistently monitoring food temperatures. Overcoming these challenges requires diligent handwashing, proper use of gloves, thorough cleaning of surfaces, and regular training on updated food safety guidelines. Effective communication within the team and using checklists or digital systems can also help ensure standards are met even during high-pressure times.

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

To thrive as a Food Handler, you need basic food safety knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a food handler’s permit or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, safe food storage systems, and compliance with local health regulations is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure food is prepared safely, prevent contamination, and support a healthy, efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Food Handler vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood HandlerFood Service Worker
CertificationsTypically requires a food safety certificationMay or may not require certification, depending on role
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, food processing facilitiesRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling, preparing, and serving food while following safety protocolsAssisting with food service, customer service, and basic food prep

Food handlers focus on food safety and proper handling, often requiring certification, while food service workers perform broader roles including customer service and basic food prep. Both roles are common in food service environments but differ mainly in responsibilities and certification requirements.

More about Food Handler jobs

What are popular job titles related to Food Handler jobs in Virginia?

For Food Handler jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Handler jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Handler jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Handler jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Food Handler job openings:

Food Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Handler job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,053 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Substitute Food Service Worker

Isle of Wight County Schools

Smithfield, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Food Service Worker
Date Posted:
9/19/2024
Location:
Central OfficeIsle of Wight County Schools is seeking candidates interested in working as a subsiutute in our Child Nutrition Department. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or have passed a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education. Additionally, all Child Nutrition employees must have a current food handler's card.
Minimum hourly rate of pay: $15.00/hour
Attachment(s):
  • Food Service Worker

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