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School Kitchen Help Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Oxford Community Schools Cafeteria Helper - 3.75 Hours Oxford High School 2026-27 School Year ... Cross-trained in kitchen positions and able to work in all district kitchens. * Completion of ...

Kitchen Aide

White Cloud, MI

$13.73 - $15.84/hr

Cleaning tables and chairs in the dining room, preparing vegetables for the salad bar, helping with ... High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Experience: Six (6) months of prior experience in a food ...

Kitchen Aide

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$13.73 - $15.84/hr

Cleaning tables and chairs in the dining room, preparing vegetables for the salad bar, helping with ... Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. * Experience: Six (6) months of prior ...

Overview Chick-fil-A Ann Arbor is seeking a Kitchen Manager to help lead our back-of-house ... Education:{"credentialcategory":"high school","@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential ...

Throughout the process they are serving as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Throughout the process they are serving as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Throughout the process they are serving as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Throughout the process they are serving as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Showing results 41-60

School Kitchen Help information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do school kitchen help jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen help in Michigan is $13.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $14.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school kitchen help, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Kitchen Help, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, commercial dishwashers, and sometimes a food handler certification is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions efficiently are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, timely, and nutritious meal service to students while maintaining a hygienic kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges faced by school kitchen help, and how can they be managed?

School Kitchen Help often encounter challenges such as managing time effectively during busy meal periods, maintaining strict food safety standards, and working efficiently within a team environment. To manage these challenges, it’s important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate clearly with coworkers, and stay updated on food handling procedures. Being adaptable and willing to assist in various tasks, from food preparation to cleaning, also helps ensure a smooth workflow and a positive dining experience for students.

How do you become a school kitchen help?

To become a school kitchen help, you typically need to be at least 16 years old, pass a background check, and have basic food safety knowledge. Some schools may require a food handler's permit or training in food preparation and sanitation. No formal education is usually necessary, but reliability and the ability to work in a team are important.

What is the difference between School Kitchen Help vs School Cook?

AspectSchool Kitchen HelpSchool Cook
CredentialsNone typically required, basic food handling knowledgeFood safety certifications, culinary skills often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssist in food prep, cleaning, and serving in school kitchensPrepare, cook, and oversee meal production in school kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in schools, part-time or support rolesFull-time or lead roles in school food services

School Kitchen Help generally involves assisting with food prep and cleaning, requiring minimal certifications. In contrast, School Cooks are responsible for preparing meals and may need food safety certifications. Both roles operate within school food service environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What does a school kitchen help do?

A School Kitchen Help assists in preparing and serving meals to students and staff in a school cafeteria. Their duties often include washing dishes, cleaning kitchen areas, helping cooks with food preparation, and making sure food safety standards are followed. They may also be responsible for setting up serving lines, replenishing supplies, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. This role is vital in making sure students receive nutritious meals in a timely and hygienic manner.
Infographic showing various School Kitchen Help job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,932 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Middle School Cafeteria Helper

Oakland Schools

Oxford, MI • On-site

$16.55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago


Job description

Position Type:
Non-Certified Student Support Services/Food Services
Date Posted:
6/24/2026
Location:
Oxford Community Schools Nutrition Services
Date Available:
August 2026
District:
Oxford Community Schools
Cafeteria Helper - 3.75 Hours
Oxford Middle School
2026-27 School Year
Primary Function: Provide students with a healthy, high quality nutritious lunch within the guidelines of the Michigan Department of Education School Lunch Program, and Oakland County Health Department consistent with the District Mission Statement.
Base hourly rate: $16.55/hour
Qualifications and conditions for this position will be in accordance with the most recent agreements between the district and the local AFSCME unit.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
  • Responsible for efficient use, maintenance, and cleanliness of all kitchen equipment and storage areas, plus overall organization of kitchen.
  • Cross-trained in kitchen positions and able to work in all district kitchens.
  • Completion of Introduction to Food Service through the Michigan Department of Education and Serv Safe.
  • Maintain all necessary records, including but not limited to daily sales sheet, deposit slips, monthly inventory, time sheet, order forms, production records, etc.
  • Maintain Oakland County Health Department standards.
  • Maintain standards set forth by the Michigan Department of Education for school lunch programs as directed by Food Service Supervisor.
  • Carry out directions, written or oral, as issued by supervisor or designee.
  • Responsible for following proper start-up and end of the day procedures for opening and closing the kitchen.
  • Perform duties and functions assigned and deemed necessary by the nature of the work assigned.
  • Maintain regular and predictable in-person attendance.
  • Support the vision and mission of Oxford Community Schools.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Attachment(s):
  • Official OCS Posting

Oakland Schools logo

About Oakland Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oakland Schools is a regional service agency that offers support services to school personnel that are best delivered regionally and provide cost, size and quality advantages to those we serve. Oakland Schools is an autonomous, tax-supported public school district governed by Michigan General School Laws and is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) established in Michigan in 1962.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Waterford, MI, US

Year founded

1962