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School Catering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

1918 Catering

Event/Catering Cook

Birmingham, AL

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

... schools, hospitals, or cafeterias; and prepare and cook a few basic items that normally involve ... May be responsible for the food presentation at catered events; take orders from customers and ...

1918 Catering

Event/Catering Cook

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

... schools, hospitals, or cafeterias; and prepare and cook a few basic items that normally involve ... May be responsible for the food presentation at catered events; take orders from customers and ...

Cheba Hut - Huhn Huts

Catering Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Responsibilities include: · Identify and contact local businesses, schools, universities, medical offices, apartment communities, event venues, sports teams, nonprofits, and other catering prospects ...

New

Famous Daves

Catering

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items ... High School graduate or equivalent preferred * Experience: * Previous server or restaurant ...

BBQ Holdings

Catering

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Catering person assists in the preparation, tear down, and clean up of all food and service items ... High School graduate or equivalent preferred * Experience: * Previous server or restaurant ...

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School Catering information

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$26.5K

$71.6K

$111.5K

How much do school catering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for school catering in the United States is $71,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is school catering?

School catering refers to the service of providing meals and food options to students and staff within a school setting. This typically includes preparing and serving breakfast, lunch, and sometimes snacks, following nutritional guidelines to ensure balanced and healthy meals. School catering staff may work in primary, secondary, or higher education institutions, and are responsible for menu planning, food preparation, serving, and maintaining hygiene standards. The goal of school catering is to support student health, well-being, and learning by offering nutritious and appealing food options.

What is the highest paying food service job?

In school catering, the highest paying roles are typically managerial positions such as Food Service Director or Catering Manager, which require experience and often involve overseeing multiple sites or large operations. These roles can earn higher salaries compared to entry-level positions like cooks or servers, especially with additional certifications or specialized skills.

What are some common challenges faced by school catering staff, and how can they be managed effectively?

School catering staff often face challenges such as meeting diverse dietary needs, managing large meal volumes within tight timeframes, and adhering to strict food safety standards. Effective communication with school administrators and teachers can help in planning for special dietary requirements, while efficient teamwork and organization are essential for smooth meal preparation and service. Ongoing training in food safety and allergen management, as well as adopting streamlined kitchen processes, can further support staff in overcoming these daily challenges.

What qualifications do I need for school catering?

School catering staff typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require food safety certifications such as a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. Experience in food preparation and customer service is beneficial, and some positions may require background checks and adherence to health and safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in School Catering, and why are they important?

To thrive in School Catering, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of nutrition and food safety, and often a food handler’s certification or equivalent qualification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with local health regulations is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help ensure efficient meal service and positive interactions with students and staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining a safe, welcoming dining environment and supporting the health and wellbeing of students.

What is the difference between School Catering vs School Cook?

AspectSchool CateringSchool Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, catering licensesCooking certifications, food handling
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, catering eventsSchool kitchens, cafeteria settings
Employer & IndustryCatering companies, schools, institutionsSchool districts, educational institutions
Job FocusPreparing large-scale meals for events or multiple schoolsPreparing daily meals for students

School Catering involves preparing and delivering meals for events or multiple schools, often requiring catering licenses and large-scale food safety protocols. In contrast, a School Cook focuses on preparing daily meals within a school cafeteria, typically with food handling certifications. Both roles work within school environments but differ in scope, scale, and certifications required.

What qualifications do you need to be a catering assistant?

To become a school catering assistant, there are typically no formal qualifications required, but relevant skills include good communication, teamwork, and basic food safety knowledge. Some employers may prefer candidates with a food hygiene certificate or previous experience in food service. Flexibility and the ability to work in a busy environment are also important.

What are typical duties in school catering jobs?

School catering jobs typically involve preparing and serving meals, maintaining cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas, and following food safety standards. Staff may also assist with inventory management, setting up food stations, and ensuring students receive meals efficiently and hygienically.
More about School Catering jobs
What cities are hiring for School Catering jobs? Cities with the most School Catering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of School Catering jobs? The most popular types of School Catering jobs are:
What states have the most School Catering jobs? States with the most job openings for School Catering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching School Catering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Catering jobs are:
School Catering jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Catering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,574 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Catering Attendant

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$17.60/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Quest Food Management Services rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Position Overview

We are looking for a reliable and energetic Catering Attendant to join our growing team. The

successful candidate will support the catering team in preparing, planning, and executing

catering events. You’ll play a key role in ensuring high standards of compliance,

cleanliness, customer service, and food hygiene are maintained at all times. This position is based on an as needed basis for games, events and concerts.

Desirable candidates are:

  • Culinary minded
  • Natural leaders
  • Acutely aware that the guest’s satisfaction is always our top priority
  • Eager to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

  • Assist in all catering events including Monday-Friday school catering as well as Saturday and Sunday events, as needed. An open and flexible schedule is required.
  • On full-service event days, assist the Catering Director with key responsibilities including, but not limited to:
  • Play a role in managing the service team by checking in temp workers, filling out time sheets, providing guidance on how and why we do what we do, and ensuring that the service team stays on track with event timelines
  • Assist with the preparation and presentation of food and beverages
  • Set up and clear down catering areas before and after service
  • Serve food and drinks to customers in a polite and professional manner
  • Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, service, and dining areas
  • Loading/unloading catering equipment from our storage areas
  • Maintain storage areas
  • Follow food safety and hygiene standards
  • Provide excellent customer service during events
  • Be involved in catering event logistics meetings and providing input on how to best serve our client

Requirements

  • Previous experience in a restaurant, catering, or hospitality environment
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • A team player with a positive attitude
  • Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings and weekends
  • Desire to learn, adapt, and grow with the operation
  • Ability to work in an active role, which may involve standing for long periods of time
  • Ability to lift and carry items up to 40 pounds



Catering Attendant Benefits:

As a Part and Full Time Hourly Quest Team Member, you can expect:

Career growth and paid training

Work-life balance

Free meals daily

Annual Shoes for Crews $40.00 Credit



What Quest Food Management Services employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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