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School Cafeteria Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$20.14 - $21.19/hr

Food Service/Elementary School Cafeteria Manager II Date Posted: 8/27/2026 Location: AURORA ELEMENTARY Date Available: 08/31/2026 Bargaining Unit: Food Service Work Year: 9 months per year Work Day ...

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School Cafeteria information

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How much do school cafeteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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 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.

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 to get a job at a school cafeteria?

To get a job at a school cafeteria, applicants typically need to complete an application process, which may include an interview and background check. Prior experience in food service or customer service can be helpful, and some positions require food safety certifications. Availability during school hours and the ability to work in a team are also important factors.

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:

Infographic showing various School Cafeteria job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,912 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Middle School Cafeteria Manager

Plymouth, MI โ€ข On-site

$19.39/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Food and Nutrition Services/Middle School Manager
Date Posted:
8/17/2026
Location:
LIBERTY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Closing Date:
Until Filled
POSITION: Middle School Cafeteria Manager
LOCATION: Liberty Middle School
HOURS: 40 Hours/Week
JOB SUMMARY:
The Middle School Cafeteria Manager supports the efficient and compliant operation of school food service by modeling excellence in daily kitchen operations and assisting with administrative responsibilities. This position serves as the on-site point of contact for kitchen staff during meal service and helps ensure procedures are followed related to food safety, menu compliance, documentation, and inventory. While the Team Lead provides informal leadership and guidance to peers, the position does not include formal supervisory, disciplinary, or evaluative authority.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum of two (2) years experience in institutional or school food service.
  • Demonstrated understanding of food safety, sanitation, and USDA nutrition standards.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with peers, supervisors, and school staff.
  • Capable of maintaining accurate records and completing required documentation.
  • Good attendance record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • ServSafe Certification (must to obtain within 90 days).
  • Experience completing production records and inventory tracking in a school kitchen environment.
  • Familiarity with USDA Child Nutrition Programs and Smart Snacks guidelines.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead by example and foster a collaborative team environment.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
May include, but not limited to:
Support kitchen operations and meal service:
  • Organize food preparation, service, and clean-up in alignment with USDA guidelines and department procedures.
  • Coordinate kitchen workflow and task assignments to ensure timely and efficient service.
  • Verify deliveries, monitor inventory usage, and report discrepancies or shortages.
  • Identify and escalate equipment issues, supply needs, or staffing concerns to department leadership.
  • Cooperates with various inspections and consulting agencies: Wayne County Health Dept. and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ensure compliance and accurate recordkeeping:
  • Assist in completing and reviewing documentation such as production records, temperature logs, food waste tracking, and delivery receipts.
  • Monitor food safety and allergen procedures; report deviations or concerns to the designated supervisor promptly.
    Serve as site liaison and department representative:
  • Act as the primary contact for communication with Food & Nutrition Services leadership regarding menus, service needs, and kitchen updates.
  • Foster a collaborative relationship with building administrators by communicating proactively on student needs, school schedules, and cross-functional coordination, while upholding the Food & Nutrition Services Department's operational purview over all kitchen operations, facilities, equipment, and cafeteria staff.
  • Represent and reinforce departmental protocols within the school building, ensuring role clarity and consistent practices.
  • Refer any concerns or requests beyond the Team Lead's scope to the appropriate Food & Nutrition Services chain of command.
    Support training and peer development:
  • Assist with onboarding and orientation for new staff and substitutes by providing guidance on daily procedures, documentation, and food safety practices.
  • Model exemplary customer service, sanitation, and meal presentation to promote a positive and consistent kitchen culture.
    Other:
  • Fast-paced school kitchen environment; may require lifting up to 40 pounds, standing for extended periods, and working near hot equipment.
  • Must be able to work scheduled shifts aligned with school hours and occasional training days.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Food Service Coordinator or Assistant Director

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.
REPORTS TO: Food Service Coordinator
RATE OF PAY: Starting at $19.39 based on PCCA CBA
START DATE: August 26, 2026
EVALUATION:
Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.
METHOD OF APPLICATION:
INTERNAL APPLICANTS - Apply online using the Internal Applicants section. You will be required to upload the following documents to your application:
  • Letter of interest
  • Updated resume
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement (attach in resume section). This statement should include your understanding and Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion including your past experiences and how you will ensure this is at the center of your work in the role for which you are applying.

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS - Apply online using the External Applicants section. You will be required to upload the following documents to your application:
  • Cover Letter - Address letter to Abdul Madyun, Chief Human Resource Officer
  • Resume
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement (attach in resume section). This statement should include your understanding and Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion including your past experiences and how you will ensure this is at the center of your work in the role for which you are applying.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally the employee will bend or twist at the neck more than the average person. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Plymouth-Canton Community School district is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Plymouth-Canton Community School district is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Upon recommendation for employment, Section 1230g, as amended, of the Revised School Code requires all school employees to be electronically finger printed for the purpose of undergoing a criminal history background check. The fingerprinting is conducted by a third party and is at the expense of the applicant. Cost for fingerprinting is approximately $70.00.
DEADLINE: Open until filled