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Public School Cafeteria Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tulsa Public Schools

Cafeteria Assistant

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$11.25 - $14/hr

Hourly 5 | H-5 Tulsa Public Schools existing salary schedules provide careerincrement adjustments ... cafeteria. Minimum Qualifications: Education: High School Diploma or GED or equivalent food ...

Anchorage School District

$20.14 - $21.19/hr

Food Service/Elementary School Cafeteria Manager II Date Posted: 8/27/2026 Location: AURORA ... The position has a retirement association with the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Job ...

Duluth Public Schools

Cafeteria Manager

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.35/hr

Cafeteria Manager Rockridge Academy School 30 hours/38 week | Monday - Friday Starting Wage: $20.35/hr + Benefits Join the Duluth Public Schools team, where we work to inspire every student to ...

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How much do public school cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for public 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 a public school cafeteria worker?

Public school cafeteria workers are staff members responsible for preparing, serving, and sometimes planning meals for students and staff within public schools. Their duties often include cooking food, maintaining cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, managing inventory, and serving nutritious meals that meet government guidelines. These workers play a vital role in supporting student health and ensuring that all children have access to balanced meals during the school day.

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

To thrive as a Public School Cafeteria Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and sometimes a food handler certification are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication help ensure smooth service and positive interactions with students and staff. These skills are crucial for maintaining a safe, efficient, and welcoming cafeteria environment that supports student health and well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by public school cafeteria workers, and how are they typically addressed?

Public school cafeteria staff often face challenges such as managing large volumes of students in limited timeframes, ensuring food safety and compliance with nutrition guidelines, and accommodating students with special dietary needs. To address these, cafeterias implement efficient meal prep routines, follow strict sanitation protocols, and receive training on food allergies and special diets. Teamwork and communication with school administrators, teachers, and parents are also essential for creating a safe and positive dining environment for all students.

What is the difference between Public School Cafeteria vs School Food Service Worker?

AspectPublic School CafeteriaSchool Food Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias during school hours, serving studentsSchool cafeterias, food prep areas, and sometimes outdoor events
Employer & IndustryPublic school districts, government-funded education sectorSchool districts, educational institutions, or private schools

Both roles involve working in school cafeterias and require similar certifications, but a Public School Cafeteria typically refers to the overall facility or program, while a School Food Service Worker is an individual employee responsible for food prep and service. The roles are closely related, with the main difference being the scope: one is the setting, the other the job position within that setting.

How to get a job at a public school cafeteria?

To get a job at a public school cafeteria, applicants typically need to submit an application through the school district's employment portal or in person, and may be required to pass a background check and health screening. Relevant skills include food service experience, ability to work in a team, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards. Positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent and may involve flexible hours aligned with the school schedule.
More about Public School Cafeteria jobs

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What states have the most Public School Cafeteria jobs?

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Public School Cafeteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public School Cafeteria job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Cafeteria Assistant

Tulsa Public Schools

Tulsa, OK • On-site

$11.25 - $14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Tulsa Public Schools rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 643 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Full Job Description: Cafeteria Assistant
Salary Grade: Hourly 5 | H-5
Tulsa Public Schools' existing salary schedules provide careerincrement adjustments based on education/experience and/or years of creditableservice. For more information about the salary for this specific positionplease review the Salary Schedule forthe corresponding Salary Grade (listed above).
For more information on our comprehensive benefits packages,please visit: Compensation and Benefits website.
Position Summary: Assist in the processes to provide breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks to TPS students in a school cafeteria.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent food handlers experience in lieu of education
Experience:
• Previous experience in a food industry preferred
• Basic knowledge of quantity food preparation and customer service skills
Physical requirements:
• Be able to lift, pull, or push up to 25 pounds frequently and occasionally up to 50 pounds
  • Be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time

Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, etc.:
• Must have a current Food Handler's Permit issued via the Tulsa City/County Health Department
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Must have access to reliable transportation to and from district sites
About Our District: At Tulsa Public Schools, our mission is to inspire and prepare every student to love learning, achieve ambitious goals, and make positive contributions to our world. We are the destination for extraordinary educators and staff who work with our community and families to ignite the joy of learning and prepare every student for the greatest success in college, careers, and life. Our core values of equity, character, excellence, team, and joy guide how we work and interact with each other and our community.

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