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Food Service Associate Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Manteca, CA · On-site

$25/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : THC Doctor ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Turlock, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Turlock, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

Walmart

Food/Consumables Team Associate

Patterson, CA · On-site

$17 - $30/hr

Opening, Morning Location Walmart Supercenter #5843 1030 SPERRY AVE, PATTERSON, CA, 95363, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking care of customers and ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Ripon, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Modesto, CA

$16 - $22/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $22.50/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $22.50/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Modesto, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $19/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $19/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

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All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Modesto, CA

Food Service Associate information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Modesto, CA is $16.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.51 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 Modesto, CA? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Food Service Associate job openings:
Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Modesto, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,612 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
FOOD SERVICE WORKER

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Compass Group

Manteca, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,083 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 488 rated business services

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions.
  • Location: THC Doctor's Hospital - 1205 East North Street, Manteca, CA 95336. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule. Days and hours may vary. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous food service experience is preferred but not required.
  • Pay Range: $24.00 per hour to $25.00 per hour.

Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself. At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a culture that values caring for people, fostering belonging, and creating moments that truly matter. Here, your work has purpose: to nourish patients, caregivers, and communities while upholding the highest standards of detail, quality, and excellence in every meal served.
For more than 70 years, Morrison has supported leading health systems nationwide with culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our commitments, and believe in helping one another achieve more together by realizing our unlimited potential.
Job Summary
Summary: Prepares, presents and serves food as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables.
  • Weighs and measures designated ingredients.
  • Carries pans, kettles and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator in accordance with safety standards.
  • Stores food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Cleans work areas, equipment and utensils.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment.
  • Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Serves customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service.
  • Resolves customer concerns and relays relevant information to supervisor.
  • Ensures compliance with company service standards and inventory and cash control procedures.
  • Assures compliance with all sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS
  • Full-time and part-time positions are offered the following benefits: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identify Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and other voluntary benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf
Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.
Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

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