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Lunch Lady Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Lunch Lady information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$5

$16

$17

How much do lunch lady jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lunch lady in Springfield, VA is $16.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges lunch ladies face during busy meal periods, and how can they effectively manage them?

Lunch Ladies often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, as they must serve large numbers of students quickly and efficiently while maintaining food safety standards. Effective time management, teamwork, and clear communication with kitchen staff are essential to keep the serving line moving smoothly. Staying organized and preparing as much as possible before meal service helps minimize stress and ensures meals are served promptly. Additionally, developing positive relationships with students and colleagues can create a more supportive and enjoyable work environment.

What is a lunch lady?

Lunch Ladies, also known as cafeteria workers, are staff members who prepare, serve, and sometimes help plan nutritious meals for students and staff in schools. They ensure the cafeteria runs smoothly by managing food portions, maintaining cleanliness, and following food safety regulations. Lunch Ladies play a vital role in supporting students’ health and creating a welcoming environment during meal times.

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

To thrive as a Lunch Lady, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of nutrition and food safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food handler certifications are common requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and friendly meal service for students, supporting a healthy school environment.

What is the difference between Lunch Lady vs Cafeteria Worker?

AspectLunch LadyCafeteria Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, primarily during school hoursSchool or institutional cafeterias, during meal times
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsSchool districts, educational institutions
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing, serving meals, maintaining cleanlinessServing food, assisting with meal service, cleaning

Both Lunch Ladies and Cafeteria Workers typically work in school cafeterias, preparing and serving meals. The main difference lies in job titles used by different districts; their roles, credentials, and work environments are very similar, often overlapping in responsibilities and requirements.

What job categories do people searching Lunch Lady jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Lunch Lady jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Lunch Lady jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Lunch Lady job openings:

Infographic showing various Lunch Lady job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,991 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Company : Campus Specifics

Why Woodridge International?

College success begins with a great foundation. That's why Woodridge International Elementary and Middle develops inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring students who are motivated to discover more about their community and world.Woodridge Elementary pre-K3-4th grade students follow an International Baccalaureate program that uses observation, questioning, and creative scenarios to build the skills and character traits necessary for lifelong learning. With an emphasis on Spanish language study, students explore core subject areas such as reading and mathematics with an emphasis on expression and relating to others.Woodridge Middle students in grades 6-8 develop a deeper understanding of core content with a focus on critical analysis and college exposure. All students follow a rigorous and culturally diverse curriculum in eight areas: English and language arts, foreign language (Spanish), mathematics, science, social studies, humanities, art, and technology. Advanced Placement skills are embedded in prerequisite courses to ensure readiness for Friendship's college-preparatory high schools.One of the few D.C. campuses with an in-house library, Woodridge incorporates classic and contemporary books, art, and music as part of the daily school experience. A Blue Ribbon Schools nominee, Woodridge's exceptional student outcomes have earned special visits from 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, and former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.

Overview

Thank you for your interest in joining Friendship Public Charter School! We are excited to review applications for anticipated vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year.

Our formal interview process will begin in January 2026 for all confirmed openings. Please note that some roles may be posted in advance of confirmation, and internal applicants will be considered first for any potential vacancies.

Friendship Public Charter School operates a network of high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools serving students from pre-K3 through 12th grade. Our mission is to provide a world-class education that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary for success in college, career, and life.

We are seeking dedicated, mission-aligned professionals to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year. If you are committed to accelerating student achievement, fostering joyful and rigorous learning, and preparing students for bright postsecondary futures, we encourage you to apply.

We look forward to learning more about you and your passion for serving students in Washington, DC.Please see the available salary scales: FPCS Compensation

Responsibilities
  • Opens and unlocks the building, grounds, and parking lots, preparing the facility to receive staff and students
  • Secures and locks the building and facility at the end of the day, ensuring that all gates and doors are secure, and that the building alarm system is activated
  • Conduct and observe searches of all personal property entering the building, including briefcases, computer bags, pocketbooks and purses, student's book bags, backpacks, and lunch boxes
  • Staffs various posts in order to provide the appropriate security presence and coverage, ensuring personnel safety, physical security, and asset protection
  • Perform security walk-through of the school, in accordance with the assigned daily schedule, and as directed
  • Prepare a formal Incident Report for submission to the Head of Security, when required, or directed
  • Obtain statements from students, staff, or teachers as appropriate to properly document significant events, which occurred during that day's shift
Special Requirements:  
  • May be required to work weekends, early evenings, on weekdays and selected holidays.
Qualifications
  • Experience in the role preferred
  • Graduation from high school OR GED a minimum of 2 years of experience in security (school experience is preferable). Police experience or higher education may be substituted.
  • Preferably 5-8 years of school security officer work experience 
  • Ability to obtain Security Certificate or License or a valid District of Columbia Security Officers license issued by the Metropolitan Police Department
  • Satisfactory criminal background check, satisfactory drug test results.

FPCS's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws.  This policy applies to recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Employment decisions at FPCS are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual's capabilities, qualifications, training, experience and suitability.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME