ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

School Cafeteria Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monroe County Schools

Full time cafeteria worker*

Amory, MS · On-site

$10.25 - $13/hr

TITLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA WORKER POSITION TYPE Non-Exempt PRIMARY FUNCTION Perform the different cafeteria duties in an efficient, clean and friendly manner in which students are served nutritious meals.

Diocese of Harrisburg

School Cafeteria Worker

Hanover, PA · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Joseph School, Hanover Closing Date: 05/23/2025 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:

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSchool Cafeteria Jobs

School Cafeteria information

See salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do school cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 School Cafeteria vs School Cook?

AspectSchool CafeteriaSchool Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, large kitchens, serving studentsSchool kitchens, food preparation areas, cooking stations
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsSchool districts, educational institutions
Job FocusOverseeing cafeteria operations, managing food service staff, ensuring meal servicePreparing, cooking, and serving meals to students

The main difference between a School Cafeteria and a School Cook is that the School Cafeteria typically refers to the overall food service operation within a school, including management and supervision, while the School Cook focuses on preparing and cooking meals. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What Are School Cafeteria Jobs?

School cafeteria jobs focus on meal preparation for students. In this role, you may serve breakfast and lunch food to hundreds of students within the span of a few hours, ensure the cleanliness of kitchen, and perform various tasks needed to keep the cafeteria functioning each day. School cafeteria workers frequently refill condiment dispensers, alert supervisors to low stock, dispose of expired products, monitor the quality of incoming inventory, and prepare special requests as needed. Schools have different products and guidelines, and you may be asked to work with many different ingredients as part of a rotating schedule of meals.

How hard is it to work in a school cafeteria?

Working in a school cafeteria as a staff member involves tasks such as preparing and serving food, cleaning, and maintaining safety standards, often requiring physical stamina and attention to hygiene. The job can be fast-paced during meal times and may involve early or late shifts, but it generally requires basic skills and adherence to health regulations.

What are school cafeteria workers?

School cafeteria workers are staff members responsible for preparing, serving, and sometimes planning nutritious meals for students and faculty in educational institutions. They ensure food safety, maintain clean kitchen and dining areas, and may also handle inventory and cash transactions. Their role is important in supporting student health and providing a positive dining experience at school.

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

School cafeteria staff often face challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy lunch periods, adhering to strict food safety and nutritional guidelines, and accommodating students with special dietary needs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for handling these demands, as is staying organized and proactive about food preparation. Continuous training and openness to feedback can also help staff adapt to changing menus or regulations, ensuring a positive and safe environment for students.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a School Cafeteria Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Cafeteria Worker, you need a basic understanding of food safety, nutrition, and meal preparation, often supported by a high school diploma and food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication with students and staff are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and pleasant delivery of nutritious meals to students, supporting their health and well-being.

How to get a job at a school cafeteria?

To get a job at a school cafeteria, applicants typically need to complete an application, pass a background check, and may require food safety training or certifications. Experience in food service and good communication skills are also beneficial, and positions often involve working during school hours and assisting with meal preparation and service.

How much does a school cafeteria worker make per month?

A school cafeteria worker typically earns between $1,200 and $2,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and hours worked. The job often requires food safety certifications and involves working during school hours in a cafeteria environment.
More about School Cafeteria jobs
What cities are hiring for School Cafeteria jobs? Cities with the most School Cafeteria job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of School Cafeteria jobs? The most popular types of School Cafeteria jobs are:
What states have the most School Cafeteria jobs? States with the most job openings for School Cafeteria jobs include:
What job categories do people searching School Cafeteria jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Cafeteria jobs are:
School Cafeteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cafeteria job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

School Cafeteria

DeKalb County Regional Office of Education

Dekalb, IL

$18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

FY25-26 School Year

 

Qualifications Required:*Superior work habits and ethics

 
  • Sanitation certificate preferred (Required if full time)
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member
  • Ability to work with administration, faculty, students and parents
  • Excellent communication skills (written & verbal)
  • Ability to perform duties as outlined
 

Contingent Upon: Board approval

 

Benefits available on our website

 

Submit Application/Resume/Letters to:
Jane May, Food Services Director: jane.may@ictwolves.com

 

Re: Cafeteria position PT

 

Indian Creek CUSD 425

 

Indian Creek CUSD #425, Shabbona, IL

 

GENERAL FOOD SERVICE WORKER JOB DESCRIPTION

 

INDIAN CREEK CUSD 425

 

M-F 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

 

SCOPE:The primary duty of the general food service worker is perform the tasks necessary to ensure the cafeteria runs smoothly and efficiently. (Although employees normally have a routine, they may be asked to perform other tasks as the need arises. General food service workers will perform any of these cafeteria tasks when necessary.)

 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1. To perform one or more regular tasks:
a. Serving
b. Dish room
c. Cashier
d. Cook
e. Clean up duties




 

2. Produce an excellent quality and quantity of work
3. Wear clothing of a work or uniform type material, including hairnets, and hard shoes
4. Practice excellent personal hygiene
5. Comply with Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Public Health and


 

U.S.D.A. rules and regulations covering school feeding programs
6. Have excellent relationships as a team member with other employees
7. Practice superior work habits
8. Maintain a very positive attitude
9. Maintain excellent attendance and promptness
10. Maintain a high level of personal fitness
11. Use sound judgment
12. Be adaptable
13. Support the head cook, food service director, and the feeding programs in such a way as to assure success
14. Perform other duties necessary to the position as assigned by his/her Supervisor or








 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

1. Superior work habits and ethics
2. Excellent communication skills - written and verbal
3. Illinois Sanitation Certification preferred
4. Ability to work independently (self-motivated) and as a team member
5. Ability to work well with administration, faculty, students and parents
6. Ability to perform duties as outlined




 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

1. Must be able to lift, push or pull objects up to 40-60 pounds on a regular and repetitive basis.
2. Must be able to speak, hear, see, write, walk, climb, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, twist, turn, push, pull and reach (above head and below knees) on a regular and repetitive basis.
3. Tasks require extensive use of hands including repetitive gripping, grasping, lifting and manipulation of equipment necessary to perform duties.

 

Work Remotely

 
  • No
 

Job Type: Full-time

 

Pay: $18.00 per hour

 

Benefits:

   
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
   

Shift:

   
  • Day shift
   

Work Location: In person



Apply