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School Kitchen Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Gardner School

School Kitchen Manager

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$17.20 - $20.25/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Weymouth! We have an ... Effective time management and multitasking abilities. * Strong attention to detail and ...

The Gardner School

School Kitchen Manager

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$17.21 - $20.25/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Chelmsford! We have an ... Effective time management and multitasking abilities. * Strong attention to detail and ...

Vertex Education

School Kitchen Manager

Goodyear, AZ · On-site

High School Diploma/GED required * Food Handler's Certificate/Card required for job * Manager ... Operating all kitchen equipment * Providing training to kitchen staff in all aspects of food ...

Primrose School

Primrose School Kitchen Aide

PA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Ability to manage food service and catering operations * Experience in supervising and leading kitchen teams * Knowledge of dietary requirements and food production Primrose School of Peters Township ...

The Gardner School

School Kitchen Staff

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Brentwood! We have an ... Effective time management and multitasking abilities. * Strong attention to detail and ...

The Gardner School

School Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN

$13.80 - $16.25/hr

Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Nashville! We have an ... Effective time management and multitasking abilities. * Strong attention to detail and ...

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School Kitchen Manager information

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$22.5K

$51.7K

$75K

How much do school kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for school kitchen manager in the United States is $51,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by School Kitchen Managers, and how can they be addressed?

School Kitchen Managers often face challenges such as balancing nutritional guidelines with budget constraints, managing staff schedules, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. To address these challenges, it’s important to stay updated on state and federal nutrition requirements, foster open communication with staff, and implement efficient inventory and ordering systems. Building strong relationships with suppliers and school administration can also help streamline processes and support a smooth kitchen operation.

How much do school kitchen staff make?

School kitchen managers typically earn an average salary ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and school district size. They often require food service certifications and experience in food preparation and management. Salaries can vary based on the level of responsibility and the region's cost of living.

What does a school kitchen manager do?

A school kitchen manager oversees the daily operations of the school cafeteria, including food preparation, inventory management, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. They may also supervise staff, plan menus, and handle budgeting and ordering supplies to provide nutritious meals for students. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.

What is the difference between School Kitchen Manager vs School Cafeteria Worker?

AspectSchool Kitchen ManagerSchool Cafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, sometimes managerial trainingBasic food handler certification
Work EnvironmentOversees kitchen operations, manages staffPrepares and serves food, assists in food service
ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, inventory, staff supervisionFood preparation, serving students

The School Kitchen Manager typically has more responsibilities, including managing staff and overseeing operations, while the School Cafeteria Worker focuses on food preparation and service. Both roles require food safety certifications, but the manager's role involves leadership and planning, making it a more supervisory position within the school food service environment.

How to become a school cafeteria manager?

To become a school cafeteria manager, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in food service, and strong organizational skills. Some positions may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe, and managerial experience can be beneficial for advancement. Knowledge of nutrition, budgeting, and staff supervision is also important in this role.

What is the highest paying job in a kitchen?

In a kitchen setting, executive chefs or head chefs typically earn the highest salaries, especially in fine dining or upscale restaurants. These roles require extensive culinary skills, management experience, and often involve overseeing kitchen operations and staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a School Kitchen Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Kitchen Manager, you need expertise in food safety, nutrition guidelines, menu planning, and staff supervision, often supported by a food handler's certification or relevant culinary education. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and compliance with state and federal meal program regulations is crucial. Leadership, organization, and strong communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and ensuring efficient kitchen operations. These skills ensure safe, nutritious meals are provided to students while maintaining regulatory compliance and a well-functioning kitchen environment.
More about School Kitchen Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for School Kitchen Manager jobs? Cities with the most School Kitchen Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of School Kitchen jobs? The most popular types of School Kitchen jobs are:
What states have the most School Kitchen Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for School Kitchen Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching School Kitchen Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Kitchen Manager jobs are:
School Kitchen Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Kitchen Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,697 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
School Kitchen Manager

School Kitchen Manager

The Gardner School

Weymouth, MA • On-site

$17.20 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

The Gardner School rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 21 rated private schools and tutoring

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
We're Hiring! Join our team as a School Kitchen Staff position at The Gardner School of Weymouth!
We have an exciting opportunity for a School Kitchen Staff position working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Weymouth, we believe learning begins with love - for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.
Perks of Working with Us:
  • Competitive Pay: The pay range for this position is $17.20-$20.25, based on experience and qualifications.
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance + other benefits to fit your unique needs
  • 401k Retirement Plan with Employer match
  • Childcare tuition discount for toddlers and up
  • PTO, plus your birthday and holidays off!
  • Competitive Wages
  • No late nights or weekends

What You'll Be Doing:
  • Confirm weekly menus with school director
  • Adhere to the school's budgetary needs
  • Maintain inventory and complete weekly food and supply orders
  • Prepare and cook meals according to approved menus
  • Ensure food is cooked and served at the correct temperature
  • Maintain a clean, sanitized and organized kitchen area
  • Dishwashing
  • Follow food state and federal safety, sanitation and nutrition guidelines
  • Perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Help in classrooms and other areas for short periods of time as needed
  • Regular and reliable attendance
  • Must have dietary allergy knowledge

What You'll Need to be Successful:
  • Strong knowledge of dietary allergies and food safety regulations.
  • Previous experience in food preparation and cooking, including large volume cooking.
  • Proficient in various cooking techniques and methods.
  • Experience with menu planning and meal preparation.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective time management and multitasking abilities.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Physical ability to bend, squat, lift up to 60 pounds, and stand or walk for extended periods.

What You'll Need to Qualify
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Current SafeServe certification, or willingness to obtain
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Must enjoy working with young children
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations and guidelines

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.

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