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Food Service Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Food Service Associate information

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How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Elgin, IL is $15.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $17.36 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.

What does a food service associate do?

A food service associate prepares, serves, and maintains food and beverages in settings such as restaurants, cafeterias, or catering events. They often handle customer orders, ensure cleanliness, and follow safety and hygiene standards, sometimes using tools like POS systems. Good communication skills and attention to detail are important for this role.

What are food service associates?

Food service associates are professionals who work in settings such as restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and other food service establishments. Their primary duties include preparing and serving food, maintaining cleanliness in dining areas, handling cash registers, and providing customer service. They play a vital role in ensuring customers have a positive dining experience and that food safety standards are met. The position may also involve restocking supplies, assisting with inventory, and adhering to health and safety regulations.

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 is the highest paying food service job?

The highest paying food service jobs are often managerial roles such as restaurant general managers or executive chefs, with salaries exceeding $60,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes certifications in culinary arts or hospitality management.

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.

How to get a food service job with no experience?

Food service associates can often find entry-level positions that do not require prior experience. Highlighting customer service skills, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn on your resume can improve your chances; some employers also offer on-the-job training. Obtaining a food handler's permit or certification may be required in some areas.
More about Food Service Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Food Service Associate job openings:
Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,430 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Food Service Associate

Kelley's Market | Kelley Williamson Company

Island Lake, IL • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description

Company: Kelley's Market

Location: Island Lake

Address: 3401 S River Road, Island Lake IL 60042


Position: Food Service Associate

Reports To: Station Manager


About Kelley's Market

Join a company with deep roots and big opportunities! Since 1926, Kelley's Market has been serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin as a family-owned convenience store chain. As an ExxonMobil distributor, we're continuously growing and innovating to meet our customers' needs with new products, services, and technology. We pride ourselves on offering top-quality products underscored with outstanding service-and that starts with our team.


What You'll Do

The Food Service Associate plays a key role in helping us deliver top-quality food and an outstanding customer experience. This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked food-service environment while serving customers in a friendly and efficient manner. The Food Service Associate may receive guidance and direction from Lead team members and reports directly to the Assistant Manager(s) and Station Manager. You will:

Deliver Outstanding Food & Service

Prepare, assemble, and serve fresh food and beverages that meet brand and safety standards

Provide fast, friendly, and courteous service that creates positive guest experiences

Operate food prep equipment and POS systems accurately and safely

Stay current on menu offerings, pricing, and promotions to assist customers and support sales

Keep Our Food Areas Clean & Safe

Maintain cleanliness of all food service areas including prep stations, counters, equipment, dining areas, and restrooms

Restock and rotate food items, condiments, utensils, and beverages using FIFO practices

Follow all food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures in compliance with company and health department guidelines

Alert management to any food safety concerns, equipment issues, or supply shortages

Support Smooth Operations

Complete assigned tasks including temperature logs, equipment cleaning, and station checklists

Accurately process transactions at the register and maintain proper cash handling

Maintain accurate timekeeping and communicate shift updates or concerns to leadership

Take ownership of daily routines and contribute to a smooth-running food service experience

Work as Part of Our Team

Collaborate effectively with team members and take direction from leadership

Uphold all safety and security procedures in food prep and customer interaction

Contribute to a positive team culture that values cleanliness, quality, and fast service


What We Offer

Competitive Compensation

The hiring range for this position is $15 to $18 per hour and may be based on education, work experience, knowledge, skills and certifications.

Comprehensive Benefits

Medical & Dental (BlueCross), Vision (EyeMed)

Flexible Savings Account (FSA)

Voluntary Life and AD&D

Voluntary Short-Term Disability

401(k) Plan with Annual Matching

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

Vacation Time 

Personal Time

Illinois Paid Leave

Six Paid Holidays

Additional Perks

Employee discounts on store products

Clean, modern, and well-maintained work environment

Opportunities for advancement within our growing organization


*Benefit eligibility may vary based on position, hours worked, and length of employment. Select benefits may not be eligible until specific milestones have been met. Consult with your Hiring Manager for more information. 


Ready to make a real difference with your leadership skills? Apply today to join the Kelley Williamson team!

Requirements

What's Required:

Must be at least 16 years of age. In select market(s), hiring age may be 18+.  

Ability to provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced retail/food-service environment.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Basic math skills and the ability to handle cash and operate a point-of-sale (POS) system accurately.

Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs frequently and up to 50 lbs occasionally, and to stand for extended periods.


Preferred Experience:

Prior experience in a convenience store, gas station, or retail environment.

Prior experience in a fast-food or QSR environment.

Experience handling cash and completing shift reports or basic bookkeeping tasks.

Apply