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School Food Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

School Food Service Manager needed for food service program in the Knowlton, NJ area. Monday through Friday, day shift. No weekends, or holidays. Summers off. ServSafe ® certification a plus. * Over ...

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School Food Service information

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How much do school food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for school food service in the United States is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a School Food Service Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Food Service Worker, you need knowledge of food safety, basic 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 good communication skills help ensure efficient operations and positive interactions with students and staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining a safe, healthy, and welcoming meal environment that supports student well-being.

What is school food service?

School food service refers to the department or team responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals to students and staff in educational institutions. This includes managing breakfast, lunch, and sometimes snack programs, ensuring meals meet nutritional guidelines set by government agencies. School food service workers handle food safety, menu planning, and often accommodate dietary restrictions. Their goal is to provide healthy, balanced meals that support students’ learning and well-being.

How much does a school cafeteria worker make per month?

School cafeteria workers typically earn between $1,200 and $2,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and hours worked. They often work part-time or full-time shifts, with some positions requiring food safety certifications.

How do you become a school cafeteria worker?

To become a school cafeteria worker, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to pass a background check. Some positions require food safety training or certification, and experience in food service can be helpful. The job involves preparing and serving meals in a school environment, often with a flexible schedule aligned with school hours.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

School food service jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week; such high earnings are uncommon in this field. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial diving, certain sales positions, or entrepreneurship, which require specialized skills, experience, or certifications rather than formal education. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree involve high risk, significant experience, or business ownership.

What is the difference between School Food Service vs School Cafeteria Worker?

AspectSchool Food ServiceSchool Cafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood handling permits, food safety certificationsTypically same certifications as School Food Service
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, kitchens, food prep areasSchool cafeterias, dining areas
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsSame as School Food Service
Job FocusMeal preparation, food service, inventory managementServing students, maintaining cleanliness, assisting with meal distribution

School Food Service and School Cafeteria Worker roles often overlap, with both working within school dining environments and requiring similar food safety certifications. However, School Food Service typically encompasses a broader range of responsibilities, including meal planning and inventory management, while School Cafeteria Workers focus more on serving students and maintaining the dining area.

What are some common challenges faced by school food service workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

School food service workers often face challenges such as adhering to strict nutritional guidelines, managing large volumes of meals in limited timeframes, and accommodating students with food allergies or special dietary needs. Effective communication, organization, and teamwork are essential to overcoming these challenges. Many schools provide ongoing training and support to help staff stay updated on food safety standards and best practices, making the role both rewarding and manageable.

How much do cafeteria workers make?

Cafeteria workers in school food service typically earn an average hourly wage of around $10 to $13, depending on experience and location. Full-time positions often include benefits such as paid time off and health insurance, and the work environment involves food preparation and service in school cafeterias. Salaries can vary based on school district budgets and regional cost of living.
More about School Food Service jobs
What cities are hiring for School Food Service jobs? Cities with the most School Food Service job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of School Food Service jobs? The most popular types of School Food Service jobs are:
What states have the most School Food Service jobs? States with the most job openings for School Food Service jobs include:
Infographic showing various School Food Service job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,746 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
School Food Service Workers

School Food Service Workers

Maschio's Food Service

Mount Dora, FL • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted yesterday


Maschio's Food Services rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 66 rated caterers


Job description

School Food Service Workers Needed
Come and work for a great Food Service Management Company in a rewarding position serving students nutritious meals in the Mount Dora, FL area. 6 hours daily.
Food service experience required. National School Lunch Program experience preferred.
What's in it for you:
Good rate of pay to start.
Paid time off (PTO).
Paid safety footwear.
Uniform shirts provided.
Flexible hours
Onsite training.
Growth and advancement opportunities.
No nights, weekends, or holidays.
Summers off!
What we need from you:
Must summit to a background check/ fingerprinting.
TB testing.
Reliable transportation.
Commitment to practicing and promoting safety, and cleanliness.
Able to sit, bend, reach, and lift up to 40lbs.
Able to stand for approx. 4 hours daily.
POS/ cashier system.
Able to work as part of a team.

What Maschio's Food Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Maschio’s Food Services logo

About Maschio’s Food Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Maschio’s Food Services is an industry leader in food service management specializing in K-12 nutrition. We provide the highest level of service for all school district food service programs with our experienced personnel. Our entire team of food service workers, school nutrition specialists, registered dietitians, and corporate chefs, have contributed to making lunch the best part of the day for students. We have partnered with local farms to have dedicated farmland that grows produce solely for Maschio’s Food Services. Our Farm to School Program allows our students to enjoy fresh and local farm to school meals. Maschio’s Food Allergy Management Program is unmatched. Our team of registered dietitians will create a safe menu for students who have life-threatening food allergies or medical conditions. We are involved in various green committees and recycling committees. Our Sustainable Maschio’s Program can assist your school district to bring greater sustainability to your food service program.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chester, NJ, US

Year founded

1992