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

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 ...

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Hires, directs, coaches, trains, and develops patient service team members * Complies with dietary ...

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Hires, directs, coaches, trains, and develops patient service team members * Complies with dietary ...

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Hires, directs, coaches, trains, and develops patient service team members * Complies with dietary ...

Customer Service Associate

Stockton, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $21/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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Stockton, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $21/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 ...

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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Livermore, CA

$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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Modesto, CA · On-site

$15 - $20.75/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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Modesto, CA · On-site

$15 - $20.75/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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Stockton, 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Essential Functions for Service Team Associates: * Provides exceptional dining experience to Guests - Greeting Guests, Serving food and handling payments at cash register * Maintains the cleanliness ...

Essential Functions for Service Team Associates: * Provides exceptional dining experience to Guests - Greeting Guests, Serving food and handling payments at cash register * Maintains the cleanliness ...

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Food Service Associate information

See Modesto, CA salary details

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$16

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How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,612 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Compass Group

Turlock, CA • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 495 rated business services


Job description

Location: California State University-Stanislaus
  • We are hiring immediately for full time and part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER positions.
  • Address: 1 University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time and part time schedules; days and hours may vary, including weekends. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior food safety and sanitation experience is required.
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $19.00 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1551984.
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
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.
Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!
Job Summary
Summary: Performs cashiering duties, including general food service work. Maintains sanitation standards in the preparation, service and dining room facilities.
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. Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment.
  • Stores foods in designated areas in accordance with wrapping, dating, and food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Cleans work areas, equipment and utensils.
  • Ensures compliance with sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Uses 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.
  • Interacts with customers and resolves customer complaints in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
  • Relays relevant information to supervisor.
  • Performs sales transactions.
  • Enters sales into the cash register to ensure purchases are accurately recorded.
  • Makes change, accepts declining balance cards and other acceptable forms of payment.
  • Issues receipts to customers.
  • Follows standard procedures for issuing cash refunds.
  • Responsible for all assigned change funds and cash receipts, ensuring that cash drawer is in compliance with overage/shortage standards.
  • Replenishes condiments, beverages and general supplies while maintaining service area cleanliness.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The Benefits
We are always looking for ways to invest in our people both inside and outside of work to help them achieve their full potential. Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Opportunities for Training and Development
  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, 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 Maryland, Washington State, 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_ChartwellsHED.pdf
Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company's behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods. Business needs may vary from year to year.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
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.
Chartwells Higher Ed 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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