1

Lunch Aide Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Lunch Aide

Garfield, NJ · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Lunch Aide Position Purpose Under the direct supervision of the building Principal, to assist in maintaining an orderly and safe atmosphere in the cafeteria, on the playground, and in other ...

Support Staff/Lunch Aide Date Posted: 7/29/2026 Location: Elementary School Date Available: 09/01/2026 Closing Date: 08/20/2026 Position: Elementary School Lunch Aide Parkway Elementary School ...

Lunch Aide

Carlstadt, NJ · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Lunch Aide Position Purpose Under the direct supervision of the building Principal, to assist in maintaining an orderly and safe atmosphere in the cafeteria, on the playground, and in other ...

Support Staff/Lunch Aide Date Posted: 7/30/2026 Location: Elementary School Date Available: 09/01/2026 Closing Date: 08/20/2026 Position: Elementary School Lunch Aide Midland Elementary School ...

PT Lunch Aides

Dumont, NJ · On-site

$17.50/hr

The lunch aide assists in the maintenance of an orderly, safe, and pleasant atmosphere in the lunchroom and playground areas by helping and supervising students during the lunch period. Hourly rate ...

Lunch Aide

Garfield, NJ

$15 - $19.25/hr

Successful prior experience working as a lunch or food service aide, preferably in a school district or with children. FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Elementary School Lunch Aide Memorial Elementary School Effective Date(s): 2026-2027 school year Reports To: Principal Employment Terms: 10-month school year; 1 hour per day (12:00 -1:00 pm) Job Goal ...

Showing results 21-40

Lunch Aide information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do lunch aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for lunch aide in Rutherford, NJ is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lunch aide?

Lunch Aides are school staff members responsible for supervising students during lunch periods, ensuring a safe and orderly environment in cafeterias and playgrounds. They help students follow school rules, assist with seating and food distribution, and address any issues that arise, such as spills or conflicts. Lunch Aides play a key role in maintaining a positive atmosphere and supporting students’ social and emotional well-being during lunch. Their presence helps teachers and administrators focus on academic tasks while ensuring student safety.

What are some common challenges lunch aides face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Lunch aides often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of energetic students, handling conflicts or disagreements among children, and ensuring a safe and clean environment during meal periods. Effective lunch aides use strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, stay organized, and remain attentive to students’ needs. Building rapport with students and collaborating closely with teachers and cafeteria staff also helps create a positive lunchroom experience and address issues proactively.

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

To thrive as a Lunch Aide, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and the ability to supervise children, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food safety guidelines and cafeteria equipment is commonly required, and some roles may ask for food handler certification. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to manage groups of students are important soft skills. These skills are crucial to ensure a safe, organized, and positive mealtime environment for students.

What is the difference between Lunch Aide vs Teacher Assistant?

AspectLunch AideTeacher Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma; some roles may require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias during lunch hoursClassrooms assisting teachers and students
Employer & IndustrySchools, school districtsSchools, educational institutions
Primary ResponsibilitiesSupervising students during lunch, maintaining order, assisting with meal distributionSupporting teachers, supervising students, helping with classroom activities

While both roles work in school environments, a Lunch Aide primarily supervises students during lunch and assists in meal service, whereas a Teacher Assistant supports classroom instruction and student learning. The roles differ in responsibilities, credentials, and daily tasks, but both contribute to a positive school experience.

What are popular job titles related to Lunch Aide jobs in Rutherford, NJ?

For Lunch Aide jobs in Rutherford, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lunch Aide jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Lunch Aide jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:

What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Lunch Aide jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Lunch Aide job openings:

Infographic showing various Lunch Aide job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $34,237 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$15 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff
Date Posted:
10/28/2025
Location:
Washington Irving School #4
Date Available:
12/01/2025James Madison Elementary School #10
Title: Lunch Aide
Position Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the building Principal, to assist in maintaining an orderly and safe atmosphere in the cafeteria, on the playground, and in other designated locations by helping and supervising students at mealtime and playtime in accordance with Board policy and established district procedures.
Essential Functions:
  • Assists in supervising students in the cafeteria during mealtime.
  • Assists in making sure that tables and surrounding areas are clean.
  • Assists in supervising the playground/classroom during the lunch hour.
  • Assists students with orderly food purchases, distribution of food, disposal of food waste, and return of trays and utensils.
  • Ensures that students remain seated in assigned areas throughout their time in the cafeteria.
  • Circulates among assigned tables during the mealtime to be available as needed.
  • Organizes groups of students for orderly dismissal from the cafeteria.
  • Assists with supervising students in libraries, and escorting students to and from school buses.
  • Reports to teachers, principal, nurse and/or security personnel as appropriate regarding infractions, safety concerns, injuries, or other issues involving students.

Additional Duties
  • Monitor students during lunch recess
  • Performs other related tasks as assigned.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective organizational and problem solving skills.
  • Bilingual oral skills (English/Spanish) preferred.
  • Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality about students in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and district guidelines.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
  • Works in standard school environment and in outdoor weather.
Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.
Qualifications Profile
High School Diploma
Experience:
  • Successful prior experience working as a lunch or food service aide, preferably in a school district or with children.

FLSA Status: Nonexempt