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School Cafeteria Server Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Servers working the full-service restaurant earn a higher wage than a typical server in the retail ... high school diploma or GED. Licenses/Certifications: * Must obtain current Jackson County Food ...

Cafeteria Worker

Media, PA · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Stock/Beverage/Server person Location: Penncrest High School Reports To: Unit lead Hours: 9:00 - 1:00 (4 hours) or as scheduled day (day 1, 2 etc.) dictates Date to Begin : September, 2017 Physical ...

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School Cafeteria Server information

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$8

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How much do school cafeteria server jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cafeteria server in the United States is $13.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a school cafeteria server do?

A school cafeteria server is responsible for preparing and serving food to students and staff in a school setting. Their duties typically include portioning meals, handling food safely, keeping serving areas clean, and sometimes assisting with basic food preparation. They also help ensure that students receive balanced meals and may assist with special dietary needs. Good communication and teamwork skills are important for this role, as is following food safety guidelines.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a school cafeteria server?

To thrive as a School Cafeteria Server, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a friendly attitude help create a positive dining environment for students and staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient meal service, maintaining food safety, and fostering a welcoming school atmosphere.

What is the difference between School Cafeteria Server vs School Lunch Aide?

AspectSchool Cafeteria ServerSchool Lunch Aide
ResponsibilitiesServing meals, assisting students, maintaining cleanlinessAssisting with meal preparation, supervising students, cleaning
CredentialsNone typically required, food safety training optionalNone typically required, food safety training optional
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, during meal timesSchool cafeterias, during meal times
Employer/IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsSchool districts, educational institutions

Both roles involve working in school cafeterias and assisting with meal services. The main difference is that School Cafeteria Servers primarily focus on serving food and customer service, while School Lunch Aides may have additional responsibilities like helping with meal prep and supervising students. Both positions typically do not require formal credentials but are essential for smooth school meal operations.

Do school cafeteria servers get paid in the summer?

School cafeteria servers are typically seasonal or part-time employees, and whether they get paid in the summer depends on the school's employment policies and whether they are considered year-round staff. Many school districts do not employ cafeteria staff during the summer months unless they work year-round or are involved in summer meal programs. Pay schedules and employment status vary by district and contract agreements.

How to get a job at a school cafeteria?

To get a job as a school cafeteria server, applicants should check for openings at local schools or district websites, complete an application, and often undergo a background check. Prior experience in food service, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team are beneficial. Some positions may require food safety training or certifications.
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Cities with the most School Cafeteria Server job openings:

What states have the most School Cafeteria Server jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to School Cafeteria Server jobs?

For School Cafeteria Server jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various School Cafeteria Server job openings in the United States as of September 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 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,107 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

Cafeteria Cook/Server-SUBSTITUTE

Morton Grove, IL

Morton Grove School District 70
Elementary and Secondary Schools • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Title:              Dining Services Cook/Server
Position Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the building Assistant Principal, to assist in preparing recipes for lunch, serving lunch to students, cleaning up the kitchen and supervising students at mealtime in accordance with Board policy and established district procedures. This is a daily, 3.5 hour position, 10:30am-2:00pm.
Essential Functions:




  • Cooperate with the Food Service Manager to provide a positive and inviting dining experience for students, faculty and parents.
  • Be responsible for food preparation by chopping, washing, cutting, assembling, sorting and mixing food for cooks.
  • Be responsible for the serving of food during serving periods.
  • Be responsible for cleaning, equipment, storage and work areas during the total work day.
  • Be responsible for the proper storage of food.
  • Be responsible for washing dishes and utensils.
  • Operate mechanical kitchen equipment safely.
  • Follow work schedules as assigned by the Food Service Manager.
  • Practice acceptable health and work habits.
  • Participate in professional development training.
  • General knowledge of computers and technology.
  • Assists in supervising students in the cafeteria during mealtime.
  • Assists in making sure that tables and surrounding areas are clean.
  • Assists students with orderly food purchases, distribution of food, disposal of food waste, and return of trays and utensils.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the School Dining Service Manager.
  • Reports to teachers, principal, nurse and/or other personnel as appropriate regarding infractions, safety concerns, injuries, or other issues involving students.

 
Additional Duties

  • May collect and count food services program monies.
  • Performs other related tasks as assigned.

Note:         The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective organizational and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality about students in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and district guidelines.


Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

  • Works in standard school kitchen.


PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIRED TO PERFORM JOB:  
Codes:   F= Frequently    O = Occasionally    S = Seldom
 




While Performing Job, Employee is Required to

How Often

Twist

F

Stoop/Bend

F

Squat

F

Kneel

S

Crawl

S

Stand

F

Climb Ladders

S

Climb Stairs

S

Walk on Uneven Ground

S

Estimated Total Hours Performed Daily
 
Physical Activity Required

Rarely

Less than 1

1-2

3-4

5-6

7-8

Lifting under 10 pounds

X
         
Lifting 10-25 pounds

X
         
Lifting 25-50 pounds

X
         
Lifting over 50 pounds

X
         
Carrying under 10 pounds

X
         
Carrying 10-25 pounds

X
         
Carrying 25-50 pounds

X
         
Carrying over 50 pounds

X
         
Pushing/Pulling under 10 pounds

X
         
Pushing/Pulling 10-25 pounds

X
         
Pushing/Pulling 25-50 pounds

X
         
Pushing/Pulling over 50 pounds

X
         
Reaching above shoulder height

X
         
Reaching at shoulder height

X
         
Reaching below shoulder heights

X
         
Talking

X
         
Hearing

X
         
Vision

X
         

 Note:   Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.
Qualifications Profile
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
Certification/License: 





  • Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License or ability to provide own transportation.
  • High School Diploma
    Experience:
  • Successful prior experience working as a lunch or food service aide, preferably in a school district or with children is preferred.


FLSA Status:             Nonexempt
Salary: Please refer to the Park View Council of Teachers Contract for the salary schedule.
Morton Grove School District 70 is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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