ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Service Substitute Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marysville Schools

Food Service Substitute

Marysville, OH · On-site

$14.50/hr

Food Service Substitute REPORTS TO : Kitchen Manager/Food Service Director EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Substitute FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt POSITION SUMMARY : Assist with food preparation, serving, and clean up.

Olathe Public Schools

Food Service Substitute

Olathe, KS · On-site

$15/hr

Food Services Substitute DEPARTMENT/LOCATION: Varies STATUS: Classified - Non-Exempt, Part Time HOURS OF WORK: Hours will vary HOURLY RATE: $15.00 POSITION SUMMARY: This position is responsible for ...

West Ottawa Public Schools

Food Service Substitute

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Food Service Substitute Posting # 3505 -West Ottawa Public Schools Posting Dates: May 17, 2024 - Until Filled Reports To: Food Service Director Beginning: As Soon As Possible Hours: Various hours ...

West Ottawa Public Schools

Food Service Substitute

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Food Service Substitute Posting # 3505 -West Ottawa Public Schools Posting Dates: May 17, 2024 - Until Filled Reports To: Food Service Director Beginning: As Soon As Possible Hours: Various hours ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Service Substitute Jobs

Food Service Substitute information

See salary details

$8

$16

$25

How much do food service substitute jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service substitute in the United States is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to apply for school cafeteria jobs in NYC with no experience?

To apply for a food service substitute position in a school cafeteria, you can search for openings on the school district's employment website or local job boards. No prior experience is typically required, but having good communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and basic food safety knowledge can be helpful. Completing any required background checks or certifications, such as food handler permits, may be necessary before starting the job.

How to become a cafeteria worker?

To become a cafeteria worker, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food service or customer service. Many positions require basic food safety training or certifications, and strong communication and teamwork skills are important for working in a school or institutional environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Service Substitute, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Substitute, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for adapting to different work environments and supporting staff. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safety, and smooth operations in a variety of food service settings.

What is the difference between Food Service Substitute vs Food Service Aide?

AspectFood Service SubstituteFood Service Aide
CredentialsHigh school diploma; sometimes food safety trainingHigh school diploma; basic food handling training
Work EnvironmentSchools, cafeterias, catering eventsSchool cafeterias, healthcare facilities, community centers
Job DutiesFill in for absent staff, assist with food prep and serviceAssist with meal service, clean dining areas, support kitchen staff

Both roles support food service operations in similar environments, often requiring basic food safety training. Food Service Substitutes primarily fill in for absent staff and may have more flexible scheduling, while Food Service Aides focus on assisting with meal service and maintaining cleanliness. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Food service substitute roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week; high earnings in this field are uncommon without additional certifications or management positions. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree often include specialized roles such as sales, real estate, or certain skilled trades, which may require experience or licensing. Most high-paying jobs without a degree involve entrepreneurship, sales, or technical skills that can be developed through training or on-the-job experience.

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 significantly higher than entry-level positions. These roles typically require experience, leadership skills, and sometimes specialized certifications, and they may include benefits like bonuses or profit sharing.

What are food service substitutes?

Food service substitutes are employees who temporarily fill in for regular food service staff in settings like schools, hospitals, or cafeterias. Their duties often include preparing and serving food, cleaning kitchen areas, and assisting with meal distribution. These positions are typically on-call or part-time, providing flexibility for both the employer and the substitute. Food service substitutes play a vital role in ensuring meal services continue smoothly when regular staff are unavailable.

What are some common challenges Food Service Substitutes face when adapting to different school cafeterias or food service environments?

Food Service Substitutes often encounter the challenge of quickly adjusting to new teams, kitchen layouts, and operational procedures, as each school or facility may have its own systems for meal prep, serving, and sanitation. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as substitutes must efficiently learn routines and collaborate with permanent staff to ensure smooth meal service. Being proactive in asking questions and staying organized can help substitutes overcome initial hurdles and provide high-quality service, even in unfamiliar settings.
More about Food Service Substitute jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Service Substitute jobs? Cities with the most Food Service Substitute job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Food Service Substitute jobs? The top employers for Food Service Substitute jobs are:
What states have the most Food Service Substitute jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Service Substitute jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Service Substitute jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service Substitute jobs are:
Food Service Substitute jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Substitute job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,721 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Food Service Substitute

Food Service Substitute

Olathe Public Schools

Olathe, KS

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE:  Food Services Substitute
 
DEPARTMENT/LOCATION:  Varies

STATUS:  Classified - Non-Exempt, Part Time
HOURS OF WORK: Hours will vary

HOURLY RATE:  $15.00
POSITION SUMMARY:  This position is responsible for providing support to the food service activities at varying locations.  This position is expected to prepare and serve food items to students and/or school personnel and to maintain food service facilities and equipment in a safe and sanitary condition.  This position is part of the food service team and reports to Production Manager. 
PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Education and Experience Requirements: Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 
This position requires the performance of medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The position involves frequent balancing, lifting, carrying, climbing, feeling, fine finger dexterity, grasping, pushing, and/or pulling; occasional walking, crawling, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and stooping.  The position generally involves 75% standing, 5% sitting and 20% walking. This job is performed under temperature extremes and in some hazardous conditions that are typical in commercial kitchens.
IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT STATEMENTS
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.  This document describes the position currently available.  The District reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.
The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity in its programs, activities or employment as required by applicable federal and state laws.
CLEARANCES REQUIRED: Background Clearance, TB Test/Physical
 

Apply