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Food Service School Cafeteria Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Food Service School Cafeteria information

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How much do food service school cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service school cafeteria in the United States is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by food service workers in a school cafeteria, and how can they be managed?

Food service workers in school cafeterias often face challenges such as serving large numbers of students within tight timeframes, accommodating dietary restrictions, and maintaining strict food safety standards. Effective teamwork, clear communication, and thorough preparation are key to managing these challenges. Additionally, staying organized and adaptable helps staff efficiently handle busy meal periods and any unexpected issues that may arise during service.

How to get a job at a food service school cafeteria?

To get a job as a food service school cafeteria worker, applicants should typically complete an application process through the school district or food service contractor, meet any age or background check requirements, and often obtain food safety certifications such as ServSafe. Relevant skills include good communication, ability to work in a team, and basic food handling knowledge. Prior experience in food service can be helpful but is not always required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food service school cafeteria worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service School Cafeteria Worker, you need knowledge of basic food preparation, food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food handler certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication with students and staff are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, efficient meal service and a positive dining experience for students.

What is the difference between Food Service School Cafeteria vs Food Service Restaurant Worker?

AspectFood Service School CafeteriaFood Service Restaurant Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationMay require food safety certification
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, daytime hours, school settingRestaurants, varied hours, customer-facing
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsRestaurants, hospitality industry
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Food Service School Cafeteria workers and Food Service Restaurant Workers both often require food safety certifications and work in food service environments. However, cafeteria staff typically work in school settings during daytime hours, focusing on student meals, while restaurant workers serve customers in dining establishments with varied hours. Both roles are essential in the food service industry but differ mainly in work environment and schedule.

What is a food service school cafeteria worker?

Food service school cafeteria workers are employees responsible for preparing, serving, and sometimes planning meals for students and staff in educational institutions. Their duties often include cooking food, setting up serving lines, cleaning kitchen equipment, and ensuring all health and safety standards are met. These workers play an essential role in providing nutritious meals that support students' learning and well-being. They may also help with inventory management and accommodating special dietary needs.
More about Food Service School Cafeteria jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Service School Cafeteria jobs? Cities with the most Food Service School Cafeteria job openings:
What states have the most Food Service School Cafeteria jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Service School Cafeteria jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Service School Cafeteria jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service School Cafeteria jobs are:
Infographic showing various Food Service School Cafeteria job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,746 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

School Cafeteria Assistant

Anchorage School District

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$18.34 - $19.38/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Anchorage School District rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 622 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/School Cafeteria Assistant
Date Posted:
6/26/2026
Location:
STREAM ACADEMY CHARTER
Date Available:
08/19/2026
Bargaining Unit: Food Service
Work Year: 9 months per year
Work Day: 5 hours per day
FTE: .6250 FTE, Part Time
Salary: K-1, $18.34 to $19.38 per hour, DOE
Job Summary
The School Cafeteria Assistant assists in preparing and serving meals and supports all aspects daily kitchen duties, working independently in a fast-paced work environment within limited timelines. The position has a retirement association with the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Job Requirements
The following are required:
  1. A high school diploma or equivalent. Two years of related work experience may be considered in lieu of the education requirement.
  2. Must be proficient in basic math such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
  3. Must attend the four-hour ASD Serving It Safe food safety course and pass the associated examination within 21 calendar days from date of hire into the position.

The following are preferred:
  1. Experience using a touch screen point of sale system and knowledge of cashiering practices and procedures.
  2. Previous food service experience.

Essential Job Functions
  1. Assists in food preparation, cooking, heating, filling of meal orders for cashiers, and demonstrates through work efforts an understanding of sanitation and food service practices and procedures.
  2. Works independently in a fast-paced work environment within limited timelines.
  3. Sorts and stores food deliveries and reports supply shortages.
  4. Assists in basic inventory needs and record keeping assignments, preparing simple reports and recording data as needed.
  5. Operates point of sale system, makes change, and counts daily receivables.
  6. Wipes counters, cleans and sanitizes equipment, refrigerators, and freezers, sweeps and mops floors, washes daily laundry, and performs other routine cleaning/sanitation tasks.
  7. Transfers trays, baskets, containers, utensils, and food items from one location to another as necessary.
  8. Establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships with a broad diversity of students, staff, other Anchorage School District personnel, and the public.

Physical /Mental Demands
The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure. The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment.
The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings.
While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Additional Job Information
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job related duties as requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
Anchorage School District (ASD) employees must possess the ability to read and write in English. This also includes the ability to communicate in English with school staff, co-workers, and the public; as well as have the ability to comprehend and carry out oral and written directions and understand and follow English instructions and written documents.
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. For certificated positions, this is in addition to the background check conducted through the certification process with the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).
This position may be required to work in ASD facilities on the military installations (JBER). Please visit the government REAL ID website for additional information.
The Anchorage School District is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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