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Food Service Associate Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Associate

Rio Grande City, TX

$11.50 - $15/hr

The Food Service Associate performs food service functions, including preparation/serving of food items and stocking of supplies. They are responsible for maintaining State & Federal health codes ...

Food Service Associate

Edinburg, TX

$10 - $13.25/hr

The Food Service Associate performs food service functions, including preparation/serving of food items and stocking of supplies. They are responsible for maintaining State & Federal health codes ...

Food Service Associate

Von Ormy, TX

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

The Food Service Associate performs food service functions, including preparation/serving of food items and stocking of supplies. They are responsible for maintaining State & Federal health codes ...

Food Service Associate

La Blanca, TX

$10.75 - $14/hr

The Food Service Associate performs food service functions, including preparation/serving of food items and stocking of supplies. They are responsible for maintaining State & Federal health codes ...

Food Service Associate

Mission, TX

$10.75 - $14/hr

The Food Service Associate performs food service functions, including preparation/serving of food items and stocking of supplies. They are responsible for maintaining State & Federal health codes ...

Food Service Associate

Edinburg, TX · On-site

$10 - $13.25/hr

The Food Service Associate performs food service functions, including preparation/serving of food items and stocking of supplies. They are responsible for maintaining State & Federal health codes ...

Food Service Associate

La Blanca, TX · On-site

$10.75 - $14/hr

The Food Service Associate performs food service functions, including preparation/serving of food items and stocking of supplies. They are responsible for maintaining State & Federal health codes ...

Food Service Associate

Port Isabel, TX

$10.50 - $13.75/hr

The Food Service Associate performs food service functions, including preparation/serving of food items and stocking of supplies. They are responsible for maintaining State & Federal health codes ...

Food Service Associate

Edinburg, TX

$10 - $13.25/hr

The Food Service Associate performs food service functions, including preparation/serving of food items and stocking of supplies. They are responsible for maintaining State & Federal health codes ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Service Associate information

See Texas salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Texas is $14.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectFood Service AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsNone required or basic food safety certificationTypically similar; may require food safety training
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer UsageCommonly used in healthcare, schools, and hospitalityWidespread in food service establishments
Job DutiesCustomer service, food prep, servingFood prep, serving, cleaning

Both roles involve food handling and customer service, often with overlapping duties. The term "Food Service Associate" is frequently used in healthcare and institutional settings, emphasizing customer interaction and food service tasks, while "Food Service Worker" is more common in fast food and casual dining environments. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right opportunities in the food service industry.

How to get a food service associate job with no experience?

To get a food service associate job with no experience, focus on demonstrating a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn. Entry-level positions often do not require prior experience, but having a basic understanding of food safety and customer service can improve your chances. Volunteering or completing short training programs can also help build relevant skills and improve your resume.

What is a food service associate?

A food service associate usually works in a school, park, or within a business center to ensure the food served meets health safety codes. Your daily duties include greeting guests, answering questions, and providing quality customer service. In this career, companies expect you to understand proper cash handling procedures and the ability to work a register. A food service associate must prepare food with health and safety standards in mind. For food service associates working in a school, you must understand the health needs of children and work within those restraints. A job as a food service associate can lead to a fulfilling career in the culinary arts.

What are some common challenges a food service associate might face during busy meal periods, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak meal times, Food Service Associates often face challenges such as long lines, high customer volume, and the need to maintain quality service under pressure. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and staying organized at the workstation are crucial for handling these busy periods. Being proactive, such as prepping ingredients in advance and anticipating customer needs, can also help ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and preferably a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Excellent customer service, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient operations, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health standards in food service environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Food Service Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,565 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Parkland Health and Hospital System rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Location: Main Hospital Bldg - 1st Flr
.
Food Service Associate
Primary Purpose
Responsible for producing and serving meals in retail, patient services, sanitation area, or production environment in the Nutrition Services Department.
Minimum Specifications
Education
  • None

Experience
  • None

Equivalent Education and/or Experience
  • None

Certification/Registration/Licensure
Must have a certificate of completion of a food handler training course accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and/or the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS), or must obtain one within sixty (60) days of placement in the role.
Required Tests for Placement
  • None

Skills or Special Abilities
  • Must be able to read, write, and follow instructions.
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of food service and related job duties and be able to follow proper sanitation procedures within three months of employment.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers.
  • Must be able to operate a PC and perform basic computer entries within three months.

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for producing and serving meals in a retail or patient service area or a production environment.
  • Communicates and addresses food and nutrition issues in the assigned area.
  • Communicates and interacts with unit staff regarding unit food service needs.
  • Collects soiled trays/dishes and transports them to the kitchen for cleaning.
  • Responsible for quality service reflected in patient, retail, sanitation, and food production satisfaction survey results.
  • Responsible for meeting quality assurance and infection prevention standards.
  • Ensures self-education by attending mandated in-service educational sessions and reading or studying materials that are applicable to Nutrition Services. Integrates this knowledge as appropriate into the job.

Requisition ID: 988423

What Parkland Health and Hospital System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Parkland Health and Hospital System logo

About Parkland Health and Hospital System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Parkland Health and Hospital System, based in Dallas, TX, US, is a reputed entity in the healthcare industry. Accessible through their website parklandhealth.org, this distinguished organization operates within the public sector, primarily providing medical care and services. Parkland Health was founded with a mission to take healthcare to people who need it the most and ever since its inception it has staunchly adhered to this principle. The hospital is acknowledged for its unyielding dedication to patient care, its world-class staff, and its innovative medical breakthroughs. Alongside its traditional healthcare offerings, Parkland also provides specialized services such as burn treatment and poison control, cementing their position as a comprehensive provider of critical care.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1954