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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Mercy Medical Center

Food Service Assistant

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$23.80/hr

Summary Join Our Team at Mercy Medical Center - Now Hiring a Food Service Assistant! Mercy Medical Center is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Food Service Assistant

Wheaton, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/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 ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Food Service Assistant

Hanover, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/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 ...

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Food Service Assistant information

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How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.89 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.
More about Food Service Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Food Service Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Service Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Service Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,972 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Food Service Assistant

Mercy Medical Center

Baltimore, MD

$23.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Summary

Join Our Team at Mercy Medical Center – Now Hiring a Food Service Assistant!

Mercy Medical Center is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for three consecutive years (2023–2025) and as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2025. Additionally, we are proud to be a multi-time recipient of Forbes' America's Best Midsize Employers award, most recently in 2025.

As a hospital founded by the Sisters of Mercy, we offer a supportive and empowering environment where dedicated medical professionals thrive. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact through your work and contributing to a mission of compassionate care, we invite you to apply today and join our Mercy family.


Responsibilities

The Food Service Assistant prepares and serves food to patients, employees and visitors. The Food Service Assistant utilizes safe food handling practices and quality service. The Food Service Assistant maintains work station during service and completes all sanitation duties as assigned.


Requirements
  • High School transcript showing completion of a minimum of 9th grade or  successful completion of literacy assessment
  • Prefer 1 year of food service experience

Min
USD $17.00/Hr.
Max
USD $23.80/Hr.
Salary Information
Compensation decisions are made in alignment with internal equity, role scope, and market data to ensure fair and consistent pay practices. Most new hires are typically placed within the lower to mid-portion of the range; offers above that level are reserved for candidates with advanced or highly specialized qualifications.
Benefits

Mercy’s Food Services Assistant benefits:

  • Continue your education by having your tuition, books and fees paid for by Mercy!*
  • Paid time off (PTO) & company paid holidays
  • 403(B) retirement plan with generous company match and “catch up” provision
  • Mercy’s Rewards & Recognition Program rewarding employees for going above and beyond in living Mercy’s Mission and Values
  • Competitive health, prescription, vision and dental benefits & wellness credit
  • Employer paid short & long term disability benefits
  • Discounts on auto & home insurance and Verizon plans
  • Pet Wellness coverage, legal assistance and identity protection
  • Mental Health resources and other employee related wellness opportunities through our Employee Assistance Program
  • Perks at Work - savings on favorite brands, travel, tickets, dining and more!

*Employees must complete 6 months of employment in order to be eligible.


EEO Statement

Mercy Health Services is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) recruiting talent for Mercy Health Services, which serves the greater Baltimore Metro and surrounding Maryland areas.

Qualifications:
  • High School transcript showing completion of a minimum of 9th grade or  successful completion of literacy assessment
  • Prefer 1 year of food service experience
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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