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School Kitchen Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

School Kitchen Staff

Nashville, TN · On-site

$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 ...

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Harbor Lights Middle School Posting Dates: May 12, 2026 Until Filled Reports To: Food Director ... Order food and supplies through kitchen manager. Assist with light food prep. * Other: Physically ...

kitchen Manager Hash Kitchen , The UNICORN of restaurant jobs that brings you a QUALITY OF LIFE ... Bachelor's degree or certification from culinary school is preferred * A minimum of 3 years ...

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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:
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 - Olympic Hills Elementary

School Kitchen Manager - Olympic Hills Elementary

Seattle Public Schools

Seattle, WA

$22.44 - $26.97/hr

Other

Posted yesterday


Seattle Public Schools rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 577 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Overview of Position Summary of Assignment Under the general direction of Culinary Services Director or designee, responsible for heating and serving of high quality, nutritious meals under sanitary conditions in a Satellite kitchen. Essential Functions Prepare and serve attractive, high quality, nutritious, cost effective meals following menu planners meeting District requirements. Ensure that all student helpers and staff comply with proper food handling techniques and follow safety and sanitation procedures.

Develop, prepare and post work schedules and diagram of serving area for program continuity and to assure that tasks are complete within the time allocated. Maintain accurate records and complete necessary reports including meal count, cash count, tickets, menu planners, orders, delivery, payroll, inventory and other reports needed according to District procedures either manually or by computer. Maintain and schedule cleaning of kitchen and storeroom as well as kitchen equipment including tables and chairs.

Report equipment malfunctions to ensure safe working conditions. Order appropriate number of meals from central kitchen and adjust meal count as needed to utilize all food ordered. Maintain appropriate stock of food and supplies; rotate and reorder as needed.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with others. Assist school staff in promoting proper nutrition. Respond to suggestions, complaints and requests of building staff and students.

Report all accidents promptly to Culinary Services office. Train and supervise staff including conducting performance evaluations. Train, monitor and evaluate student workers, substitutes and assigned staff.

Promote Culinary Services programs to increase meal participation. Check and secure kitchen and dining area at the end of the shift. Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Required to stand and walk for prolonged periods; ability to lift up to 25 Ibs.; carry, push, stoop, reach and ability to handle and perform fingering functions. Required to shift tasks and priorities; experience frequent interruptions; requires flexibility and adaptability; perform repetitive tasks; requires individual initiative and teamwork; ability to communicate with students and adults in some difficult situations. Requires effective decision making and problem solving; required to communicate with difficult individuals; excellent listening skills; adapt to change and remain flexible

Have normal far vision, depth perception and color vision. May be exposed to general cleaning chemicals. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Food preparation techniques and procedures Food Safety and Sanitation\ Basic Math Modern methods of food preparation, including recipe adjustment; acceptable product standards, including quality and sanitation aspects; basic math; basic computer operation.

Skill in: Use English communication orally and in writing Team work Ability to: Do simple mathematical calculations. Follow instructions and use fundamentals of food preparation techniques and procedures following approved safety and sanitation requirements. Learn Federal, State and Local requirements for the National School Lunch Programs Operate all types of commercial kitchen equipment, including a mechanical aptitude for operating/adjusting complex equipment.

Establish and maintain good working relationships with a variety of employees. Work under supervision Typical Qualifications EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent. LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid Food Handler's Permit ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of menu planning and the nutritional requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture school meal patterns.

Ability to accurately complete necessary records required by the United States Department of Agriculture, the State and the District. Ability to take initiative, analyze information/situation and resolve situation or recommend effective solution to Culinary Services office. Must possess a valid WA Food Handler's Permit Audit and reconcile inventory and financial records.

Provide direction to assigned staff. Knowledgeable of basic food handling and preparation techniques and safe practices and ability to use kitchen tools and equipment.


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