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How much do school cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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.

How hard is it to work in a school cafeteria?

Working in a school cafeteria involves tasks such as food preparation, serving students, cleaning, and maintaining safety standards. The job can be physically demanding and requires good teamwork, time management, and adherence to health regulations. Experience with food service equipment and certifications like food handler permits can be beneficial.

What is a school cafeteria worker?

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.

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.
More about School Cafeteria jobs
What cities are hiring for School Cafeteria jobs? Cities with the most School Cafeteria 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for School Cafeteria jobs include:
What job categories do people searching School Cafeteria jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Cafeteria jobs are:
School Cafeteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Cafeteria job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

High School Cafeteria Manager

Danville Community School Corporation

Danville, IN

$16.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

CAFETERIA MANAGER

A skilled and detail-oriented Food Service Manager oversees the daily operations of our cafeteria, each school in DCSC has a cafeteria manager. This position is responsible for supervising a team of 5 to 12 employees, ensuring efficient meal service, managing inventory and food orders, and maintaining compliance with nutrition and safety regulations. Each cafeteria serves approximately 150-250 breakfasts and 500-700 lunches daily, offering scratch-cooked meals, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and personal pizzas made daily at the MS and HS.

The Food Service Manager does not create the menu but is responsible for managing and executing it as provided. Ordering and properly storing all incoming dry storage goods, freezer item, all beverages and fresh produce. This role also involves extensive meal prepping for scratch-cooked meals, such as lasagna, chicken pot pie, peanut butter bars, as well as preparing freshly cooked chicken for salads. Additionally, the manager must complete 10 hours of professional training annually and have a strong knowledge of computer programs such as menu logic for production records, and the POS system used daily.

Key Responsibilities:

Staff Management & Leadership:

 Supervise, train, and schedule 5 (SE) to 11 (HS) cafeteria employees.

 Maintain a positive and efficient work environment.

 Ensure staff adhere to food safety, sanitation, and customer service standards.

 Conduct performance evaluations and staff training as needed.

Meal Preparation & Scratch Cooking:

 Oversee meal prepping and cooking from scratch, including dishes like lasagna, hash brown casserole, granola, croutons and peanut butter bars.

 Ensure proper preparation of raw chicken for use in salads and raw beef in other menu items.

 Monitor portion control and minimize food waste.

 Ensure high-quality and consistent food presentation.

Menu Management & Compliance:

 Implement and manage the provided school menu.

 Maintain accurate production records for all meals served.

 Understand menu logic to ensure proper substitutions and adherence to nutrition standards.

 Ensure compliance with USDA regulations, health codes, and school nutrition guidelines.

 Maintain records such as temperature logs, production reports, and compliance documents.

Financial, Inventory, Ordering & Food Safety:

 Monitor food inventory and place timely orders to prevent shortages.

 Work with vendors to procure quality ingredients while staying within budget.

 Track and document inventory levels, usage, and waste.

 Ensure proper food storage, handling, and preparation in accordance with food safety regulations.

 Must do daily deposits of any money taken in during the day.

Professional Development & Training:

 Complete 10 hours of professional training per year as required for school food service managers.

 Stay updated on changes in school nutrition policies and best practices.

Customer Service & School Community Engagement:

 Provide excellent service to students, staff, and faculty.

 Address concerns regarding food quality, make the correct food for allergies, or dietary needs.

 Foster a welcoming and inclusive cafeteria environment.

Qualifications:

 Previous experience in food service management, preferably in a school or institutional setting.

 Strong background in scratch cooking, meal prepping, and food safety.

 Knowledge of school nutrition guidelines, inventory management, and menu logic.

 Proficiency in production records and POS systems.

 Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

 Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

 Basic computer skills for ordering, record-keeping, and financial notifications.

 ServSafe Certification 

Work Schedule:

 MondayFriday, following the school calendar. It is possible to be needed work the school breaks for meal prepping, catching up on paperwork and cleaning kitchen and summer break for our SFSP program.

  • Monitor and oversee freezer and cooler temperatures (have notifications on phone) to make sure they maintain the correct temperature for storage and help take corrective measures if needed.

Reach out to Valerie Preecs   vpreecs@danville.k12.in.us with questions. 



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