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High School Cafeteria Jobs (NOW HIRING)

School Cafeteria Worker

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Cafeteria Worker Part-Time (4-5 hours per day, 2-3 days per week) School: St. Joseph School City ... Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. There will be some on-the-job training.

Cafeteria Cashier

IN · On-site

$15/hr

Whitko Jr/Sr High School Date Available: Immediate Cafeteria Cashier Position Summary: The cafeteria cashier will provide good customer service with attention to detail, flexibility, positive ...

Cafeteria Monitor

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

Circulates throughout the cafeteria or in areas where meals are served and/or eaten assisting ... High school diploma or GED preferred. * Related experience in customer service preferred. Prior ...

Cafeteria Monitor

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

Circulates throughout the cafeteria or in areas where meals are served and/or eaten assisting ... High school diploma or GED preferred. * Related experience in customer service preferred. Prior ...

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High School Cafeteria information

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How much do high school cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for high school cafeteria 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.

What is the difference between High School Cafeteria vs School Cook?

AspectHigh School CafeteriaSchool Cook
CredentialsFood service experience, possibly a food handler's permitFood safety certification, culinary skills
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeteria, large-scale food service settingKitchen or cafeteria, preparing meals for students
Employer & IndustrySchool district, educational sectorSchool or educational institution
Job FocusOverseeing meal service, managing cafeteria operationsCooking, meal preparation, food safety

High School Cafeteria staff typically oversee the entire meal service process and manage cafeteria operations, while School Cooks focus on preparing and cooking meals. Both roles require food safety knowledge and experience in food service environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and daily tasks.

How to get a job at a high school cafeteria?

To get a job at a high school cafeteria, applicants should check the school's employment opportunities, often posted on the school district's website or in person. Typically, positions require completing an application, passing a background check, and sometimes obtaining food safety or sanitation certifications. Prior experience in food service or customer service can be beneficial, and flexible scheduling is common for cafeteria roles.

What is a high school cafeteria worker?

High school cafeteria workers are staff members responsible for preparing, serving, and sometimes planning meals for students and faculty in a high school setting. Their duties often include cooking, portioning food, cleaning the kitchen and dining areas, and ensuring that food safety and nutrition standards are met. They play a vital role in providing balanced meals to support students’ health and academic performance. Additionally, they may handle cashier duties and interact with students to create a welcoming cafeteria environment.

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

To thrive as a High School Cafeteria Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of safe food handling procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and sometimes a food handler’s certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and good communication help create a positive dining environment for students and staff. These skills and qualities are important to ensure food safety, efficiency, and a supportive atmosphere in a busy school cafeteria.

What are some common challenges faced by high school cafeteria staff, and how can they be managed?

High school cafeteria staff often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of students in short meal periods, accommodating a variety of dietary needs, and maintaining strict food safety standards. Effective teamwork and clear communication with both colleagues and students are essential to ensure smooth service. Staying organized and adaptable helps staff handle unexpected situations, such as last-minute menu changes or supply shortages, while maintaining a positive and supportive environment for students.
What cities are hiring for High School Cafeteria jobs? Cities with the most High School Cafeteria job openings:
What states have the most High School Cafeteria jobs? States with the most job openings for High School Cafeteria jobs include:

School Cafeteria Worker

Diocese of Harrisburg

Harrisburg, PA • On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description


Cafeteria Worker
Part-Time 
(4-5 hours per day, 2-3 days per week)
School: 

St. Joseph School
City & State: Hanover, PA
Payroll Grade: 10                                                                    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Nature of Position: The Cafeteria Worker prepares, cooks, and serves nutritious and appealing meals to students, teachers, other school personnel, and visitors.
Reports to: Cafeteria Manager
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS: The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following functions/tasks:
  • Observes and promotes safe work practices and procedures;
  • Prepares food according to standardized recipes and established food preparation procedures;
  • Plans food production for the following days by preparing the designated food items ahead of time;
  • Plans and implements an acceptable placement of steam-table pans on the cafeteria line prior to serving time;
  • Transfers supplies and equipment between storage, work, serving, and cleaning areas in an appropriate manner;
  • Stores food in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements and food spoilage guidelines;
  • Stores food in refrigerators after covering, labeling, and dating; properly discards outdated food items;
  • Courteously serves food with accuracy and speed while adhering to portion control, safety and appearance standards;
  • Maintains kitchen work areas, equipment, and utensils in clean and orderly condition;
  • Sweeps and mops floors;
  • Washes tables, walls, and equipment as directed;
  • Washes pots and pans according to established procedures;
  • Scrapes food from dirty dishes and washes them in dishwasher following established procedures;
  • Inspects cleaned dishes for cleanliness, chips, cracks, etc., and stores in the appropriate location;
  • Accepts payment for food, using cash register or other means as directed by cafeteria manager;
  • Follows trash separation and proper disposal procedures;
  • Reports needed supplies and equipment malfunction to cafeteria manager;
  • Follows established sanitary techniques while preparing and serving food and while handling clean utensils;
  • Attends in-service training sessions to develop and improve knowledge and skills;
  • Performs job activities in a timely efficient manner and displays a willingness to work beyond the end of the contract work time as the infrequent need arises;
  • Recommends changes and improvements regarding his/her job; accepts changes readily;
  • Adheres to uniform and personal hygiene requirements;
  • Prepares and serves banquet and special function meals as required;
  • Complies with and supports school and diocesan regulations and policies;
  • Maintains proper boundaries with students at all times, assuring respect for the ethical and legal duties in the staff-student relationship and the essential duty to serve as a role model;
  • Provides a good role model in appearance, demeanor, dress and behavior for the students served;
  • Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities;
  • Performs related duties as assigned by the Manager in accordance with school/diocesan policies and practices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Food service workers are in daily contact with teachers, students, administration, the general public and other work related personnel. The ability to coordinate and prioritize work activity, handle complaints, express a service-oriented attitude, communicate effectively and work with limited supervision. Must be able to follow oral and written directions and have the ability to get along well with others. Requires knowledge of all Serv-Safe regulations and of health safety regulations in the service of food. The person in this position needs to be able to seek new recipes and food selections that comply with Nutrition guidelines of the state and Federal Government
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. There will be some on-the-job training. Experience and proficiency in quantity food service functions are preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS and ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Duties are typically performed in areas related to the cafeteria and kitchen. Work is typically performed walking or standing. Physical stamina is required to tolerate continuous standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, grasping, kneeling, and lifting of objects weighing up to approximately 45 pounds is required. The ability to withstand temperature variances common to food service facilities is required. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.