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Food Service Associate Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Food Service Manager 3

Seattle, WA

$80K - $107K/yr

Associate degree * Management Experience: 2 years * Related Experience: 1 years What we offer ... We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated ...

Sodexo

Food Service Manager 3

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Associate degree * Management Experience: 2 years * Related Experience: 1 years What we offer ... We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated ...

Sodexo Live!

Food Service Manager 3

Seattle, WA

$80K - $107K/yr

Associate degree * Management Experience: 2 years * Related Experience: 1 years What we offer ... We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated ...

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Seattle, WA · On-site

$29/hr

* We are hiring immediately for on call CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Swedish ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Chartwells HE

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$26.05/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 ...

Eurest

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$29.25/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY position. * Location : Microsoft - 1 ... Associates at Eurest 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 Renton, WA

Food Service Associate information

See Renton, WA salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Renton, WA is $17.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.76 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 Renton, WA? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Food Service Associate job openings:
Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Renton, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,903 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Food Service Manager 3

Food Service Manager 3

Sodexo

Seattle, WA

$80K - $107K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 454 rated business services

Job description

We are searching for an experienced Food Service Manager for the Benaroya Hall located in Seattle, WA!

About the job

Join a leadership role overseeing multi-functional food service operations with a focus on client satisfaction, retention, and operational performance. This position supports revenue and profit goals through disciplined execution of programs, safety standards, and daily operational oversight while fostering an engaged, high-performing team.

The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.

Pay Range: $80168 per year - $107230 per year

What's in it for you

  • Lead complex food service operations that directly influence client experience and retention.
  • Drive financial performance through effective execution of programs and operational standards.
  • Expand expertise in purchasing, inventory control, food cost management, and forecasting.
  • Champion food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety across daily operations.
  • Build trusted partnerships with clients while supporting account growth and stability.
  • Grow leadership impact through coaching, delegation, and employee engagement initiatives.


What you'll bring

  • Food service management experience with emphasis on purchasing, inventory, food cost analysis, and production forecasting.
  • Experience using automated food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems.
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and workplace safety standards.
  • Experience supporting quality outcomes and service excellence across patient or customer-facing operations.
  • Proven success training, coaching, and engaging employees to support compliance and performance.


Requirements

  • Education Requirement: Associate degree
  • Management Experience: 2 years
  • Related Experience: 1 years

What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs

  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions

  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please completethis form.

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