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School Cafeteria Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cafeteria Worker

Centerbrook, CT · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Responsible for supporting the School Cafeteria Manager and providing assistance in the operation and functions of the cafeteria in compliance with mandated USDA and health department requirements.

Cafeteria Worker

Deep River, CT · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Responsible for supporting the School Cafeteria Manager and providing assistance in the operation and functions of the cafeteria in compliance with mandated USDA and health department requirements.

Cafeteria Worker

Deep River, CT · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Responsible for supporting the School Cafeteria Manager and providing assistance in the operation and functions of the cafeteria in compliance with mandated USDA and health department requirements.

Cafeteria Worker

Deep River, CT · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Responsible for supporting the School Cafeteria Manager and providing assistance in the operation and functions of the cafeteria in compliance with mandated USDA and health department requirements.

Cafeteria Manager

Duluth, MN · On-site

$20.35/hr

The School Cafeteria Manager is a lead worker responsible for coordinating and overseeing all operational aspects of a complex, high-volume school food service program. As a senior member of the ...

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School Cafeteria Manager information

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How much do school cafeteria manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cafeteria manager in the United States is $19.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a school cafeteria manager do?

A School Cafeteria Manager oversees the daily operations of a school's food service program. Their responsibilities include planning menus that meet nutritional guidelines, managing inventory and food orders, supervising cafeteria staff, ensuring food safety standards are met, and maintaining budget controls. They also interact with students and staff to ensure meals are served efficiently and address any dietary needs or concerns. The goal is to provide healthy, balanced meals in a safe and welcoming environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school cafeteria manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Cafeteria Manager, you need knowledge of food safety regulations, nutrition guidelines, menu planning, and inventory management, often supported by a relevant food service certification. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food service management software, and compliance with local health codes is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help manage staff and foster a positive dining environment. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and nutritious food service that meets regulatory standards and supports student well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by a school cafeteria manager, and how can they be addressed?

A School Cafeteria Manager often faces challenges such as managing food allergies, ensuring compliance with nutrition guidelines, and handling tight budgets. Balancing nutritious, appealing menus with cost constraints requires creativity and strong organizational skills. Additionally, effective communication with staff, students, and suppliers is essential for smooth daily operations. Proactively seeking input from the school community and staying updated on food safety regulations can help address these challenges.

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

AspectSchool Cafeteria ManagerSchool Food Service Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, management experienceFood safety certification, basic food handling
Work EnvironmentOversees cafeteria operations, manages staffPrepares and serves food, assists in food service
ResponsibilitiesStaff supervision, inventory, menu planningFood preparation, serving students, cleaning

The School Cafeteria Manager typically holds more responsibilities, including staff supervision and menu planning, while the School Food Service Worker focuses on food preparation and serving. Both roles require food safety certifications and work within school cafeterias, but the manager has a broader scope of duties and leadership responsibilities.

How do you become a school cafeteria manager?

To become a school cafeteria manager, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in food service, and strong organizational skills. Some positions may require food safety certifications or food service management training. Advancement often involves gaining experience in food preparation and management roles within school or institutional settings.

How much does a school cafeteria manager make in Texas?

The average salary for a school cafeteria manager in Texas is approximately $35,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on experience, school district size, and location. Managers typically oversee food service operations, staff, and compliance with health regulations, often requiring food safety certifications.

What cities are hiring for School Cafeteria Manager jobs?

Cities with the most School Cafeteria Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of School Cafeteria jobs?

The most popular types of School Cafeteria jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for School Cafeteria Manager jobs?

The top employers for School Cafeteria Manager jobs are:

What states have the most School Cafeteria Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for School Cafeteria Manager jobs include:

Elementary School Cafeteria Manager I

Anchorage School District

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$19.74 - $20.78/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Anchorage School District rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

219th of 634 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Elementary School Cafeteria Manager I
Date Posted:
7/21/2026
Location:
EAGLE ACADEMY CHARTER
Date Available:
08/19/2026
Bargaining Unit: Food Service
Work Year: 9 months per year
Work Day: 5.5 hours per day
FTE: .6875, Part Time
Salary: K-5, $19.74 to $20.78 per hour, DOE
Job Summary
The ES Cafeteria Manager I performs daily tasks to ensure meals are prepared on schedule and according to food safety guidelines. The manager inspects food deliveries and maintains sanitary conditions in the kitchen, while keeping records of meals provided following state and federal requirements. The position has a retirement association with the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Job Requirements
The following are required:
  1. A high school diploma or equivalent. Two years of related work experience may be considered in lieu of the education requirement.
  2. One year of food service experience in the area of general food preparation, proper food handling, food safety, and sanitation.
  3. Proficiency in and experience cashiering and working with Microsoft Office.
  4. Must be proficient in basic math such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
  5. Must attend the four-hour ASD Serving It Safe food safety course and pass the associated examination within 21 calendar days from date of hire into the position.

The following are preferred:
  1. Knowledge of pre-plate and centralized food preparation and delivery.
  2. Experience working with food service point of sale and inventory management systems.
  3. Previous food service experience as food service manager.

Essential Job Functions
  1. Responsible for management of all food and supply inventories, ordering, production records, cash handling procedures, bank deposits and timely submission of any required paperwork to the Student Nutrition office.
  2. Performs daily routine tasks to ensure that lunches are prepared on schedule for an estimated number of students.
  3. Monitors and records all kitchen equipment temperatures, proper food heating and cooling times and temperatures according to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements.
  4. Ensures that regulations pertaining to sanitation and food safety practices are observed and maintained.
  5. Resolves complaints in a timely and equitable manner and communicates concerns to supervisor.
  6. Responsible for knowing and understanding USDA and State guidelines for meal pattern and service requirements.
  7. Responsible for maintaining National School Lunch Program (NSLP) compliance of Free and Reduced meals at the point of sale, as well as keeping accurate records of the same in accordance with Student Nutrition Department and USDA requirements.
  8. Ensures timely preparation of all meal programs, and organizes and assigns work to kitchen staff when applicable.
  9. Effectively plans, organizes and makes decisions independently in a fast-paced work environment within limited timelines.
  10. Adheres to all Student Nutrition Department and Anchorage School District policies and procedures.
  11. Assigns and directs student aides.
  12. Establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships with a broad diversity of students, staff, other Anchorage School District staff, and the public.

Physical /Mental Demands
The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure. The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment.
The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings.
While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Additional Job Information
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job related duties as requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
Anchorage School District (ASD) employees must possess the ability to read and write in English. This also includes the ability to communicate in English with school staff, co-workers, and the public; as well as have the ability to comprehend and carry out oral and written directions and understand and follow English instructions and written documents.
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. For certificated positions, this is in addition to the background check conducted through the certification process with the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).
This position may be required to work in ASD facilities on the military installations (JBER). Please visit the government REAL ID website for additional information.
The Anchorage School District is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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