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School Cafeteria Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oakland Schools

High School Cafeteria Helper

Oxford, MI · On-site

$16.55/hr

Oxford Community Schools Cafeteria Helper - 3.75 Hours Oxford High School 2026-27 School Year Primary Function : Provide students with a healthy, high quality nutritious lunch within the guidelines ...

Oakland Schools

Middle School Cafeteria Helper

Oxford, MI · On-site

$16.55/hr

Oxford Community Schools Cafeteria Helper - 3.75 Hours Oxford Middle School 2026-27 School Year Primary Function : Provide students with a healthy, high quality nutritious lunch within the guidelines ...

Orange City Schools

Cafeteria Helper

Pepper Pike, OH · On-site

Food Service/Cafeteria Helper Date Posted: 6/23/2026 Location: Location to be Determined Date ... Minimum • High school diploma or GED. Work skills substantiated by training and/or work ...

City of Worcester

CAFETERIA HELPER

Worcester, MA · On-site

$15.45/hr

CAFETERIA HELPER SCHOOL DEPARTMENT CITY OF WORCESTER The Worcester Public Schools seeks multiple qualified applicants for a Cafeteria Helper for the School Department. The Cafeteria Helper work ...

Orange City Schools

Cafeteria Helper

Cleveland, OH

Cafeteria Helper 6 Hour Shift Monday - Friday When Food Services is in Operation Hours May Vary ... Minimum High school diploma or GED. Work skills substantiated by training and/or work experience.

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School Cafeteria Helper information

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How much do school cafeteria helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cafeteria helper in the United States is $14.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a School Cafeteria Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and safe food handling certifications are typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and good communication help create a positive dining environment and support smooth operations. These skills ensure meals are prepared safely and efficiently while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for students and staff.

What are some common challenges School Cafeteria Helpers face during busy meal times, and how can they effectively manage them?

School Cafeteria Helpers often experience high volumes of students during short meal periods, making time management and organization essential. Common challenges include maintaining food safety, keeping serving lines moving efficiently, and accommodating students with dietary restrictions. Effective helpers stay calm under pressure, communicate well with team members, and follow clear procedures for food preparation and sanitation. Teamwork and adaptability are key to ensuring all students are served quickly and safely.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

School cafeteria helper positions typically do not pay $4,000 a week; such high earnings are uncommon without specialized skills or certifications. Jobs that can reach this level often include sales, real estate, certain trades like plumbing or electrical work, or entrepreneurship, which may require experience, licensing, or business acumen. These roles usually involve commission, bonuses, or self-employment income rather than standard hourly wages.

Do lunch ladies get paid well?

School cafeteria helpers, often called lunch ladies, typically earn wages that are close to minimum wage or slightly above, depending on the region and experience. They usually receive hourly pay and may have access to benefits such as paid time off or health insurance, but overall, their pay is generally modest compared to other school staff roles.

How to get a job at a school cafeteria?

To get a job as a school cafeteria helper, applicants typically need to complete an application, pass a background check, and may be required to have food safety training or certifications. Experience working with children or in food service can be beneficial, and positions often require physical stamina to stand for long periods. Applying through the school's employment portal or contacting the school district's human resources department is common practice.

How much do lunch ladies get paid?

In North Carolina, school cafeteria helpers typically earn between $10 and $14 per hour, depending on experience and school district. Pay rates can vary based on local budgets, certifications, and whether the position is part-time or full-time.

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

AspectSchool Cafeteria HelperSchool Cook
CredentialsNone required or basic food service certificationsFood safety certifications, culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, assisting with meal service and cleanupKitchen, preparing and cooking meals for students
Employer & Industry UsageSchool districts, educational institutionsSchool districts, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles work within school food service environments, School Cafeteria Helpers primarily assist with meal distribution and cleanup, requiring minimal certifications. School Cooks are responsible for preparing and cooking meals, often needing culinary skills and food safety certifications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are school cafeteria helpers?

School cafeteria helpers are staff members who assist in preparing and serving food to students and staff in a school cafeteria. Their responsibilities typically include setting up food stations, serving meals, cleaning tables, washing dishes, and ensuring the cafeteria remains clean and sanitary. They also help with food storage, inventory, and occasionally assist with basic food preparation under the supervision of a cafeteria manager or cook. By supporting the daily operations of the cafeteria, they help provide nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment.
More about School Cafeteria Helper jobs
What cities are hiring for School Cafeteria Helper jobs? Cities with the most School Cafeteria Helper 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 Helper jobs? States with the most job openings for School Cafeteria Helper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching School Cafeteria Helper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Cafeteria Helper jobs are:
School Cafeteria Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cafeteria Helper 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 $30,777 per year, or $14.8 per hour.
High School Cafeteria Helper

High School Cafeteria Helper

Oakland Schools

Oxford, MI • On-site

$16.55/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 hours ago

Job description

Position Type:
Non-Certified Student Support Services/Food Services
Date Posted:
6/24/2026
Location:
Oxford Community Schools Nutrition Services
Date Available:
August 2026
District:
Oxford Community Schools
Cafeteria Helper - 3.75 Hours
Oxford High School
2026-27 School Year
Primary Function: Provide students with a healthy, high quality nutritious lunch within the guidelines of the Michigan Department of Education School Lunch Program, and Oakland County Health Department consistent with the District Mission Statement.
Base hourly rate: $16.55/hour
Qualifications and conditions for this position will be in accordance with the most recent agreements between the district and the local AFSCME unit.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
  • Responsible for efficient use, maintenance, and cleanliness of all kitchen equipment and storage areas, plus overall organization of kitchen.
  • Cross-trained in kitchen positions and able to work in all district kitchens.
  • Completion of Introduction to Food Service through the Michigan Department of Education and Serv Safe.
  • Maintain all necessary records, including but not limited to daily sales sheet, deposit slips, monthly inventory, time sheet, order forms, production records, etc.
  • Maintain Oakland County Health Department standards.
  • Maintain standards set forth by the Michigan Department of Education for school lunch programs as directed by Food Service Supervisor.
  • Carry out directions, written or oral, as issued by supervisor or designee.
  • Responsible for following proper start-up and end of the day procedures for opening and closing the kitchen.
  • Perform duties and functions assigned and deemed necessary by the nature of the work assigned.
  • Maintain regular and predictable in-person attendance.
  • Support the vision and mission of Oxford Community Schools.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Attachment(s):
  • Official OCS Posting
Oakland Schools logo

About Oakland Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oakland Schools is a regional service agency that offers support services to school personnel that are best delivered regionally and provide cost, size and quality advantages to those we serve. Oakland Schools is an autonomous, tax-supported public school district governed by Michigan General School Laws and is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) established in Michigan in 1962.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Waterford, MI, US

Year founded

1962

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