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School Cafeteria Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Glidewell Dental

Team Lead - Cafeteria

Irvine, CA · On-site

$19.30 - $22/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Minimum three (3) years of experience in cafeteria environment. Special Requirements/Certification: * Valid California's driver's license and proof of insurance ...

Glidewell Dental

Team Lead - Cafeteria

Irvine, CA · On-site

$19.30 - $22/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Minimum three (3) years of experience in cafeteria environment. Special Requirements/Certification: * Valid California's driver's license and proof of insurance ...

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All JobsSchool Cafeteria JobsSchool Cafeteria Jobs in Riverside, CA

School Cafeteria information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do school cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for school cafeteria in Riverside, CA is $15.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.54 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 are popular job titles related to School Cafeteria jobs in Riverside, CA? For School Cafeteria jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching School Cafeteria jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for School Cafeteria jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for School Cafeteria jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most School Cafeteria job openings:
School Cafeteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cafeteria job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,207 per year, or $15 per hour.
Cafeteria Substitute for Roane County Schools

Cafeteria Substitute for Roane County Schools

Roane County Schools

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Requirements:

  • Physically able to lift 30-40 pounds
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions
  • Must have graduated high school or have GED equivalent

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Ability to prepare and serve food using accepted sanitary practices
  • Ability to deal effectively with students, staff, and co-workers
  • willingness to perform a variety of kitchen duties
  • dependability
  • punctuality

Duties to Include the Following:

  • Assist with food preparation.
  • Assist preparing ingredients for salads, sandwiches, and cold plate.
  • Set up condiments, hot and cold food, and paper supplies.
  • Operates kitchen appliances and equipment.
  • Wash and sanitize pots, pans, utensils, and equipment.
  • Assist with the cleaning and sanitation of the kitchen.
  • Perform various kitchen duties as needed.

Reports to:

School Cafeteria Manager

Hours/Location:

Vary