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School Food Service Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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School Food Service information

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How much do school food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for school food service in Rochester, NY is $16.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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.

How do you become a school food service?

To become a school food service worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete food safety training or certifications such as ServSafe. Experience in food preparation and customer service is helpful, and some positions may require background checks. The job often involves working in a school cafeteria environment with flexible hours aligned with the school schedule.

What is the average salary for a school food service?

The average salary for a school food service worker varies depending on experience and location, but typically ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 annually. In larger cities, salaries may be higher, and roles often require food safety certifications and the ability to work early morning or afternoon shifts.

What are popular job titles related to School Food Service jobs in Rochester, NY?

For School Food Service jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching School Food Service jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for School Food Service jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for School Food Service jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most School Food Service job openings:

Infographic showing various School Food Service job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,318 per year, or $16 per hour.

Senior Food Service Helper

Greece Central School District

Rochester, NY • On-site

$17.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Greece Central School District rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 640 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Senior Food Service Helper
Date Posted:
7/22/2026
Location:
Autumn Lane Elementary School
Closing Date:
Until Filled
The Greece Central School District believes that all students benefit from a culture where diversity, inclusion, and equity with excellence are valued. Greece Central School District welcomes stakeholders who can collaborate with other staff to ensure that our policies, regulations, practices, programs and services promote equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Salary: $17.75/hour minimum
Bargaining Unit (click here for contracts): Teamsters Contract
Report Times: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
Daily Hours: 6.5 (6 paid)
Work Year: 10 month
Supervisor: Director of Food Service
Civil Service Title: Senior Food Service Worker (Non-Competitive)
Minimum Requirements:
Food Service Helper: There are no education or experience qualifications for this position.
Senior Food Service Worker: Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma, plus EITHER:
(A) Two (2) years paid full time or its part time equivalent experience in large scale* food service which involved responsibility for food preparation, service and sanitation; OR
(B) Possession of a ServSafe Food Handler Certificate issued by the National Restaurant Association, plus eighteen (18) months of paid full time or its part time equivalent experience as defined in (A) above.
*for the purpose of these minimum qualifications large scale refers to at least 15 people.
Candidates qualifying under option (B) must submit a copy of their ServSafe Food Handler Certificate at time of application.
Desired Qualifications:
Physical condition commensurate with the lifting demands of the position;
Ability to follow oral and written instructions;
Ability to prepare and serve food using accepted sanitary practices;
Ability to deal effectively with students, staff, and co-workers;
Ability to operate a point of sale terminal and make proper change;
Ability to operate kitchen appliances and equipment;
Willingness to perform a variety of kitchen duties;
Daily attendance is required.
Position Summary/Responsibilities:
Assist with extensive food preparation;
Assist preparing ingredients for salads, sandwiches, and cold plates;
Serves food from steam table or food line;
Major cashier for breakfast and lunch on food service line;
Operates kitchen appliances and equipment;
Wash and sanitizes pots, pans, utensils, and equipment;
Assist with the cleaning and sanitation of the kitchen;
Perform various kitchen duties as needed.
Questions regarding this posting should be directed to:
Name: Eric Merklein
Title: Assistant Director of Food Service
Email: Eric.Merklein@greececsd.org
All new employees must be fingerprinted and cleared for employment through the NYSED before employment begins.
The Greece Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.
To find out more about what Greece Central School District has to offer our employees, please click here

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