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How much do general cafeteria worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for general cafeteria worker in the United States is $14.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a general cafeteria worker?

To become a general cafeteria worker, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food service or customer service. Employers often require basic food safety training and may prefer candidates who can work flexible hours in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a general cafeteria worker?

To thrive as a General Cafeteria Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and, in some cases, food handler certifications are commonly required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management skills help you excel in a fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure efficient service, food safety, and a positive dining experience for customers.

How much do general cafeteria workers get paid?

In Texas, the average hourly wage for general cafeteria workers is around $9 to $12, depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions typically start at the minimum wage, and some schools or institutions may offer higher pay for experienced workers or those with food service certifications.

What is the difference between General Cafeteria Worker vs Food Service Assistant?

AspectGeneral Cafeteria WorkerFood Service Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent often requiredHigh school diploma or equivalent typically required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, hospitals, or corporate diningSchool cafeterias, hospitals, or food service settings
Employer UsageEducational institutions, healthcare facilities, corporate cafeteriasEducational institutions, healthcare, and food service providers
Common Search IntentCompare roles, job duties, or employment opportunitiesCompare roles, responsibilities, or job prospects

Both roles involve food service duties in similar environments, often requiring comparable credentials. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers, with 'Food Service Assistant' sometimes emphasizing a broader or slightly more specialized role. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers find the most suitable position based on their skills and career goals.

What is a general cafeteria worker?

General Cafeteria Workers are staff members responsible for assisting in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of meals in institutions such as schools, hospitals, or corporate cafeterias. Their duties often include setting up food lines, serving meals, washing dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the dining and kitchen areas. They may also assist with basic food preparation tasks, restocking supplies, and ensuring health and safety standards are met. General Cafeteria Workers play a vital role in providing nutritious meals efficiently and courteously to customers or students.

What are some common challenges faced by general cafeteria workers, and how can they be managed?

General Cafeteria Workers often face challenges such as managing peak meal times, maintaining cleanliness standards, and efficiently serving large numbers of customers. Effective time management, teamwork, and strong communication skills are key to handling these demands. Many cafeterias provide training to help staff develop safe food handling practices and streamline workflow, making it easier to adapt to busy environments. Seeking feedback from supervisors and collaborating with coworkers can also help in overcoming day-to-day obstacles and improving overall service.
More about General Cafeteria Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for General Cafeteria Worker jobs? Cities with the most General Cafeteria Worker job openings:
What job categories do people searching General Cafeteria Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for General Cafeteria Worker jobs are:
General Cafeteria Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various General Cafeteria Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 88% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

General Cafeteria Worker - SMS

Watertown Public Schools

Oakville, CT • On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Services/General Cafeteria Worker
Date Posted:
7/17/2026
Location:
Swift Middle School
Date Available:
08/31/2026
Closing Date:
08/07/2026
General Cafeteria Worker
Position Title:General Cafeteria Worker
Location: Swift Middle School
Position Reports To:Director of Food Services
Job ID: #2599
Internal Close Date:July 24, 2026
External Close Date:August 7, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: August 31, 2026
Required Certifications & Qualifications
  • Applicants should have food service experience, including knowledge of food production operation, proper cleaning and sanitation standards, and proper storing of food
  • A spirit of cooperation and teamwork
  • Willingness to operate a point of sale (POS) system; familiarity with Mosaic POS preferred
  • Requires standing for extended periods of time
  • Requires full range of body motion, including reaching, stooping, bending, and walking
  • Must be able to lift up to 40lbs

General Statement of Duties
Responsible for basic food preparation, serving during meal service, dish washing, cleaning and operation of the POS system.
Essential Performance Responsibilities
  • Responsible for general cleanup, dish washing, and cleaning and sanitation of food preparation areas
  • Sets and resets serving line and restock serving areas as needed; serves on student line as necessary
  • Operates cash register during meal service, includes handling money and reconciling cash drawer
  • Assist with preparation and serving of breakfast and lunch
  • Attend department meetings as necessary

Additional Duties
Perform all other duties that may be assigned by the Director of Food Services and/or Cafeteria Manager.
Terms of Employment
Based on the working agreement between the Watertown Board of Education and the Local 1049 of Council 4, AFSCME.
Work Schedule
  • Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • 17.5 hours per week/ 3.5 hours per day
  • School calendar

All application materials must be submitted online, through Applitrack; should you have any difficulty in submitting your online application please contact (860)945-4813. The District reserves the right to close the posting if a suitable candidate is found prior to the external closing date.
Attachment(s):
  • #2599 General Cafeteria Worker - SMS.pdf

Apply