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School Kitchen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Macatawa Bay Middle School Date Available: August, 2026 Closing Date: Open until filled Notice of Support Staff Posting Position: Kitchen Assistant Posting # 4055 * Macatawa Bay Middle School Posting ...

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Great Lakes Elementary School Date Available: August, 2026 Closing Date: Open until filled Notice of Support Staff Posting Position: Kitchen Assistant Posting # 4056 * Great Lakes Elementary Posting ...

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Experience working in a school kitchen or cafeteria preferred. * ServSafe certified preferred. Job Responsibilities: * Cafeteria Monitoring: Greet students and staff in a friendly and courteous ...

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School Kitchen information

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How much do school kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen in the United States is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job at a school cafeteria?

To get a job at a school cafeteria, applicants should check the school's employment opportunities, submit an application, and often undergo a background check. Prior experience in food service, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team are beneficial. Some positions may require food safety certifications or training.

What is a typical workday like for someone working in a school kitchen?

A typical day in a school kitchen involves preparing and serving breakfast and lunch to students, ensuring all meals meet dietary guidelines and portion requirements. Team members collaborate closely to organize food prep, maintain cleanliness, and follow strict safety protocols throughout the shift. The work is fast-paced during service times but also requires attention to detail when cleaning and keeping accurate inventory. Outside of meal service, you may help with menu planning or work with staff to implement new nutrition initiatives, making the environment both dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy working with others and supporting student well-being.

How much do school kitchen staff make?

School kitchen staff typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from minimum wage to around $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and school district policies. Salaries may increase with additional responsibilities or certifications such as food safety training. Many positions are part-time and require basic cooking skills and knowledge of food handling procedures.

What is a School Kitchen job?

A School Kitchen job involves preparing and serving meals to students in a school cafeteria. Responsibilities typically include cooking, food prep, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to health and safety regulations. Workers may also assist with inventory, dishwashing, and ensuring meals meet nutritional guidelines. This role is important in providing students with healthy and balanced meals during the school day.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the School Kitchen position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a School Kitchen, you need a solid understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation standards, often supported by a food handler’s permit or similar certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with nutrition guidelines are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills help create an efficient and positive environment. These abilities ensure safe, nutritious meals are served to students in a timely, organized manner while meeting school policies and health regulations.

How much do lunch ladies get paid?

In general, school lunch ladies or cafeteria workers earn an average hourly wage of around $13 to $15, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $31,000. Pay rates can vary based on experience, location, and school district policies, and some positions may require food service or sanitation certifications.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree often include roles such as commercial truck drivers, sales managers, real estate brokers, and certain skilled trades like electricians or plumbers. These positions typically require specialized training, certifications, or experience rather than a college degree, and may involve long hours or independent work environments.
More about School Kitchen jobs
What cities are hiring for School Kitchen jobs? Cities with the most School Kitchen 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for School Kitchen jobs include:
Infographic showing various School Kitchen 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 $32,047 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
School Kitchen Manager - Adams Elementary

School Kitchen Manager - Adams Elementary

Seattle Public Schools

Seattle, WA

$22.44 - $26.97/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


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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