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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Assistant

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties * Prepares hot food. Proofs, presses, stretches, sauces, and adds toppings to pizza. Bakes food items in ovens. Slices cooked pizza. Places baked ...

Food Service Assistant

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties * Prepares hot food. Proofs, presses, stretches, sauces, and adds toppings to pizza. Bakes food items in ovens. Slices cooked pizza. Places baked ...

Food Service Assistant

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties * Prepares hot food. Proofs, presses, stretches, sauces, and adds toppings to pizza. Bakes food items in ovens. Slices cooked pizza. Places baked ...

Food Service Assistant

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties * Prepares hot food. Proofs, presses, stretches, sauces, and adds toppings to pizza. Bakes food items in ovens. Slices cooked pizza. Places baked ...

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Food Service Assistant information

See Arizona salary details

$8

$15

$23

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Arizona is $15.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Food Service Assistants?

Food Service Assistants are professionals who support the preparation, serving, and cleaning processes in food establishments such as restaurants, cafeterias, schools, and hospitals. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, serving food, cleaning dining and kitchen areas, restocking supplies, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are met. They work as part of a team to ensure smooth food service operations and a positive dining experience for customers.

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

Food Service Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. One common challenge is handling peak meal times while maintaining quality and safety standards. Effective communication with kitchen staff and servers helps ensure smooth operations. Staying organized, adhering to hygiene protocols, and being adaptable to sudden changes—like menu adjustments or special dietary requests—are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Food Service Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, dining areasKitchen, food prep areas
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Common Search IntentCustomer service, serving foodFood prep, cleaning

While both roles support food service operations, a Food Service Assistant primarily interacts with customers and serves food, often requiring food safety certifications. In contrast, a Kitchen Helper focuses on food prep and kitchen cleaning tasks without direct customer contact. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food hygiene certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, maintain food safety standards, and deliver a positive dining experience for customers.

What Is a Food Service Assistant?

A food service assistant helps with the planning, preparing, and serving of meals in a restaurant or other organization that serves food. They may work in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Job duties may include planning meals, preparing food, delivering food to customers, managing stock, maintaining supplies, cleaning the kitchen and service areas, and running the cash register. There are no educational requirements to become a food service assistant, but many vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in the food service industry. Some state their food service careers in this entry-level position and seek promotions as they gain experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in Arizona? For Food Service Assistant jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Service Assistant jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service Assistant jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,427 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago


Peoria Unified School District rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 617 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Title: Food Services Assistant        
Department: Food Service 
Supervisor: Kitchen Manager
Term of Employment: 9 months 
Salary Classification: 7
Job Summary: Provides and performs a variety of food services and related tasks in the preparation and serving of food, clean up and operation of a school cafeteria.
Essential Functions: as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES generally include the following:








  • Performs a variety of food preparation tasks. Cuts, chops, measures and prepares foods, food products and related items. Carries food tray to serving line. Monitors serving line for quantity of food remaining. Retrieves, refills and returns food trays to serving line.
  • Sets up tables and eating areas. Greets students and other users of cafeteria services. Assists with providing information and/or assistance to users of the cafeterias services.
  • Cleans and sanitizes kitchen, kitchen utensils, floors, work stations, tables and other food service/cafeteria areas. Provides back up and assistance to others involved in the preparation, serving, clean-up and maintenance of the kitchen and cafeteria area.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and codes and PUSD policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of the principles of customer service.
  • Skill in reading, interpreting, understanding and applying relevant Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and codes and PUSD policies and procedures.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.
  • Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED, AND six (6) months of relevant food service, or closely related experience; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Must be able to pass a background clearance check.
  • May be exposed to dangerous machinery, potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals and infectious disease
  • Must be able to obtain within one month of employment and maintain a State of Arizona Food Handlers Permit
  • May be required to work outside normal working hours
  • May be required to lift and/or carry heavy, bulky supplies, materials, equipment and other items weighing up to 50 pounds
  • May be required to obtain and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license



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