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Food Service Associate Jobs in Clinton, NC (NOW HIRING)

Royal Farms

Customer Service Associate

Wallace, NC · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

This includes food service preparation, point-of-sale transactions, housekeeping duties, and general store upkeep. The Customer Service Associate plays a key role in delivering an exceptional ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Mount Olive, NC · On-site

$15/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Butterball ... Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Canteen

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Mount Olive, NC · On-site

$15/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Butterball ... Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

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All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Clinton, NC

Food Service Associate information

See Clinton, NC salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Clinton, NC is $13.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $14.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Food Service Associate jobs

What cities near Clinton, NC are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Clinton, NC with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Clinton, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,517 per year, or $13.2 per hour.

Food Service Associate

Clinton, NC • On-site

Sampson Regional Medical Center
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

Learn more about Sampson Regional Medical Centerexternal

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Sampson Regional Medical Center is hiring a Food Service Associate to join the Food & Nutrition team!  Description:This is a full-time position working 8 to 12 hours shifts, days and hours will vary depending on the needs of the department. The selected applicant will perform a wide variety of duties as required throughout the scope of food service operations. Duties may include, but are not limited to dish and pot washing, removing waste, cleaning and stocking shelves, recordkeeping, operating cash registers, reading, writing, math, recipe calculations and compliance, and other duties required throughout the department in the preparation and delivery of meals to all and any customers. Requirements:High School Diploma or GED1 year food service experience preferred, not required.Must be dependable, flexible and committed to providing outstanding customer service. Your Health, Our Passion!

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