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Food Vendor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$41K - $64K/yr

Employees in this class collaborate with food service vendor to provide oversight of assigned group of institutions within the agency's program to monitor standards, policies, and practices. Works ...

This role trains staff on food safety, sanitation, portion sizes, and temperature control, and works closely with the Wellness Center café and MOW food vendors to keep communication clear and ...

Team Lead

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Special Event Food Vendor Certification (Can be obtained anytime) * Summer Festival Food Vendor Certification (Can only be obtained for the Summer Season) * Must have a clean Motor Vehicle Report ...

This role trains staff on food safety, sanitation, portion sizes, and temperature control, and works closely with the Wellness Center cafe and MOW food vendors to keep communication clear and address ...

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Food Vendor information

See salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do food vendor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food vendor in the United States is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food vendor?

A food vendor prepares and sells ready-to-eat food to the public. Food vending typically takes place at food concessions at sporting or event arenas, fairs, and festivals. Some vendors operate from a food truck that serves at different locations. Duties and responsibilities may include driving the vehicle to an event, preparing and cooking food, serving food to customers, collecting payment, and cleaning up.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food vendor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Vendor, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic culinary skills, and any required local permits or food handling certifications. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, cash handling, and sometimes mobile vending equipment is typically necessary. Excellent customer service, adaptability, and strong organizational skills help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering safe, high-quality food efficiently while ensuring customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by food vendors in maintaining food safety standards?

Food vendors often face challenges such as managing temperature controls, ensuring proper food storage, and consistently following hygiene protocols, especially in busy or outdoor environments. They must regularly sanitize equipment, monitor ingredient freshness, and stay updated on local health regulations to prevent contamination. Adapting to these standards while serving customers quickly can be demanding, but it's crucial for customer safety and business reputation.

What is the difference between Food Vendor vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood VendorFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food handling permits or licensesOften requires food safety training or certification
Work EnvironmentOperate at markets, festivals, or mobile setupsWork in restaurants, cafeterias, or catering settings
Employer & Industry UsageTypically self-employed or small business ownersEmployed by restaurants, hotels, or catering companies
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for independent food sales opportunitiesSeeking employment in food service roles

Food vendors primarily sell food directly to customers at various locations and often operate independently. Food service workers are employed by establishments like restaurants or cafeterias, focusing on preparing and serving food. While both roles involve food handling, their work environments and employment types differ significantly.

What is the best food to sell as a food vendor?

Food vendors often find success selling popular, portable items such as tacos, sandwiches, hot dogs, or ethnic street foods that appeal to a wide audience. Offering unique or trending options can also attract customers, and understanding local preferences and permits is essential for success.

What cities are hiring for Food Vendor jobs?

Cities with the most Food Vendor job openings:

What states have the most Food Vendor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Vendor jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Food Vendor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Vendor jobs are:

Infographic showing various Food Vendor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,500 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Food Service Specialist

Alabama Department of Corrections

Atmore, AL • On-site

$41K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with food service vendor to monitor standards, policies, and practices across assigned institutions.

  • Perform periodic inspections of kitchens and food service areas to ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and operational standards.

  • Provide reports and collaborate with food service vendor to develop action plans for improving food service operations.


Alabama Department Of Corrections rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 43 rated prisons


Job description

Food Service SpecialistSalary Range: $41,268.00 - $64,012.00Note: The starting salary is determined based on education, experience, or a combination of both.Benefits: Insurance, Annual leave, Sick leave, Paid holidays, State of Alabama RSA Retirement This is special food management work in a centralized food service program for the Alabama Department of Corrections.Employees in this class collaborate with food service vendor to provide oversight of assigned group of institutions within the agency's program to monitor standards, policies, and practices. Works closely in collaboration with food service vendor to ensure successful food service is properly delivered to the inmate population. Work is supervised by an agency department Food Service Contract Manager. Performance is evaluated through periodic inspections, general quality of institution food services and sanitary conditions.EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties which may be performed.)Communicates verbally and in writing with food service provider management, Wardens, general public, and other departments within ADOC, and other state agencies to provide and receive information to and from individuals so the required information and actions are taken and implemented accurately.Performs periodically planned and unplanned inspections to assigned institutions to ensure food service provider is adhering to departmental operating standards regarding sanitation requirements, proper temperature for prepared and stored food, proper use of culinary equipment and supplies, proper storage of food and non-food items, and ADOC operating procedures. At a minimum, monthly visits are required per facility to determine food vendor is compliance with contract requirements.Makes periodic inspections independently, and in coordination with the agency environmentalist, for kitchens, culinary equipment and supplies; inspects kitchen and culinary equipment for proper functional levels and reports all malfunctioning equipment to the warden or proper maintenance personnel.Creates and provides reports to food service vendor and Food Service Contract Manager summarizing visits and collaborates with food service provider to create action plans to improve challenges.Conducts weekly check-ins with assigned food service managers at assigned facilities either via phone or in person visits to ensure food service is operating properly and assist with creating plans to overcome any challenges.Monitor staffing levels at assigned facilities to ensure kitchen is adequality staffed to ensure successful food service operations.Monitors standards for serving portions and portion control.Reviews all documents within the food service contract to include but not limited to production worksheets, temperature logs, consumption reports.Provides support and guidance to food service provider staff regarding food service matters to ensure that designated food service staff adhere to food safety standards, contractual and departmental guidelines.Serves as advisor to the Food Service Contract Manager and/or OHS Deputy Commissioner regarding food service-related matters.Collaborates with the food service vendor to participate in on-the-job training and refresher courses for all food service personnel including inmates; participates in periodic staff meetings, seminar-type sessions and any other method necessary for disseminating policy changes, or any other information affecting the food services program as requested.Performs related work and additional duties as assigned by Food Service Contract.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, and ABILITIESThorough knowledge of modern methods, materials, and equipment used in large-scale food preparation and service.Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of institutional food service management, food nutritional values, food costs, and food inventory controls.Thorough knowledge of health, sanitation, and safety requirements pertinent to food storage, preparation, and service.Ability to calculate food costs, inventory levels, re-order levels, and to analyze dietary values.Ability to establish food materials and culinary supply requirements for large numbers of inmates.Ability to relate available supplies of food inventory, culinary and housekeeping supplies for multiple institutions.Ability to interpret ration breakdown based on formulas developed foruse in computing food needs for the institutional populations.QUALIFICATIONSAny combination of training and experience equivalent to:Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in nutrition, institutional food service or a related field.Minimum 2 years' experience in planning and supervising large-scale food service operations.Must possess current Serve Safe Certification or obtain one prior to completion of probationary period".Application Process:Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, references and direct questions to recruiting@doc.alabama.govResumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.In addition:Applications must be submitted to the State of Alabama Personnel Department. Apply online at Current Job Opportunities - SPD - State of Alabama Personnel Department
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