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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Service Assistant

Sterling, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

SERVICE ASSISTANT IHOP Service Assistants will be responsible for courteously and cheerfully greeting/seating customers, answering the phone, taking/preparing To-Go orders, assist in delivering food ...

Service Assistant

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

SERVICE ASSISTANT IHOP Service Assistants will be responsible for courteously and cheerfully greeting/seating customers, answering the phone, taking/preparing To-Go orders, assist in delivering food ...

Food Service Worker

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Cut, prepare, and serve a variety of hot and cold food items * Prepare, package and assemble meals * Build relationships with customers and provide incredible service by addressing their needs in a ...

Food Service Worker

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Our mission is to provide incredible service and help our customers live healthier, better lives through food. As a part of our sub shop team, you will create fresh sub sandwiches and other delicious ...

Food Service Worker

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Our mission is to provide incredible service and help our customers live healthier, better lives through food. As a part of our sub shop team, you will create fresh sub sandwiches and other delicious ...

PT Service Assistant

Tysons Corner, VA · On-site

$14 - $16.10/hr

BARREL & BUSHEL SERVICE ASSISTANT Barrel & Bushel is a neighborhood restaurant located in the heart ... Ensure quality and accuracy of food orders to every guest, including preparation of to go and hotel ...

Food Service Associate

Mclean, VA · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Transport food and supplies to cafeteria: assist in the set-up, maintenance, breakdown of cafeteria ... What the Food Service Associate will need: * Must be able to pass an FBI background check * 1-2 ...

Food Service Worker

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Cut, prepare, and serve a variety of hot and cold food items * Prepare, package and assemble meals * Build relationships with customers and provide incredible service by addressing their needs in a ...

Food Service Worker

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In our fast-moving, energetic stores, you'll have the opportunity to make people's day brighter by providing incredible service. Bring your passion for food and for people, and we'll help you find ...

Food Service Worker

Reston, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Cut, prepare, and serve a variety of hot and cold food items * Prepare, package and assemble meals * Build relationships with customers and provide incredible service by addressing their needs in a ...

Food Service Worker

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In our fast-moving, energetic stores, you'll have the opportunity to make people's day brighter by providing incredible service. Bring your passion for food and for people, and we'll help you find ...

Food Service Worker

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cut, prepare, and serve a variety of hot and cold food items * Prepare, package and assemble meals * Build relationships with customers and provide incredible service by addressing their needs in a ...

Food Service Associate

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Transport food and supplies to the cafeteria: assist in the set-up, maintenance, breakdown of the ... Inspects workstations for compliance with service standards. * Participates in regular safety ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Service Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$28

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Washington is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 skills do you need to be a food service assistant?

A food service assistant needs strong communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with customers and team members. They should be able to follow safety and hygiene standards, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and often require basic math skills for handling transactions and inventory. Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in Washington?

For Food Service Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Service Assistant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Service Assistant jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,411 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Service Assistant

IHOP

Sterling, VA • On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

SERVICE ASSISTANT
IHOP Service Assistants will be responsible for courteously and cheerfully greeting/seating customers, answering the phone, taking/preparing To-Go orders, assist in delivering food/beverage, cash handling, clearing/cleaning tables, and maintaining cleanliness of the restaurant. This position requires you to stand for up to 8 hours during a shift, be able to lift at least and/or move up to 50 pounds, and have full mobility of hands and arms while performing repetitive tasks. IHOP Service Assistants are also required to perform duties necessary for restaurant operations as assigned by acting supervisor, following governmental and company policies. The above is not an all-inclusive job description.

What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003