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School Cafeteria Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Greensburg Community Schools

CAFETERIA STAFF

Greensburg, IN

$12 - $15.25/hr

CAFETERIA WORKERS 29 ¼ hours per week @ Greensburg Elementary Cafeteria 29 ¼ hours per week @ Greensburg Jr. High School Cafeteria 15 hours per week @ Greensburg High School Cafeteria Greensburg ...

The Gilbert School

Cafeteria Worker

Winsted, CT · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

The Gilbert School located in Winsted CT has immediate openings for a cafeteria worker in our school cafeteria/kitchen. The work schedule follows the school calendar, approximately 5.25 hours/day, 5 ...

The Gilbert School

Cafeteria Worker

Winsted, CT · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

The Gilbert School Date Available: 08/18/2025 Closing Date: Until filledDescription: The Gilbert School located in Winsted CT has immediate openings for a cafeteria worker in our school cafeteria ...

South Ripley Community School Corporation

$12 - $15.25/hr

Substitutes in cafeteria during the school day. Duties may include cooking, serving, diswashing, and clean-up. Hours will vary from 4 hours to 5 hours per day, depending on assignment for the day.

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School Cafeteria information

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How much do school cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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.

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 much do lunchroom workers make?

In Alabama, school cafeteria lunchroom workers typically earn around $10 to $12 per hour, depending on experience and school district. Wages may vary based on local budgets, certifications, and whether the position is part-time or full-time.
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School Cafeteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cafeteria job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 15% Temporary, and 62% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.
School Cafeteria Worker

School Cafeteria Worker

Educational Empowerment Group

Youngstown, OH • On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description:

Prepares or assists in the preparation, service and clean-up of meals using standardized recipes, designated portion sizes and proper sanitation procedures.

Serve children with a positive attitude.

Follows work schedules, plans and organizes duties prior to beginning tasks.

Stores, utilizes and disposes of food and supplies following federal, state, local and district regulations.

Complies with department rules, procedures, administrative directives and regulations, district policies and procedures and local, state and federal rules and regulations.

Follows sanitation and safety standards in the kitchen and kitchen equipment.

Performs such other tasks as may be assigned.

Responsible for correctly identifying meal components in order to assure accurate reimbursable meal counts.

Spot mop and sweep spills in the kitchen/serving line area as needed to prevent accidents.

Cleaning of work areas, food service equipment and cafeteria tables.


Requirements:

Four Hour Food Service Preparers perform a wide range of duties in the school environment including preparing and/or serving food, interacting with students and staff, storeroom duties and ensuring the cleanliness of work areas, tools and equipment.

Support and maintain MVA’s core principles in the areas of professionalism, culture, and customer service. Demonstrate courage, compassion, patience, and a passion for nutrition services in daily activities.

Meet the challenges of preparing quality meals while complying with company procedures and food safety policies.

Ensure product quality through adequate storage and product rotation.

Collaborate and engage effectively with students, colleagues, and supervisors to ensure great customer service.