ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Student Dining Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStudent Dining Associate JobsStudent Dining Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Student Dining Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$145.5K

$319.9K

How much do student dining associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for student dining associate in Chicago, IL is $145,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $218,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student dining associate?

Student Dining Associates are students who work part-time in campus dining facilities, assisting with tasks such as food preparation, serving, cashiering, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas. They help ensure that the dining operations run smoothly and provide quality service to fellow students and staff. This role often offers flexible hours to accommodate students' class schedules and provides valuable work experience in customer service and teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student dining associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Student Dining Associate, you need basic food handling knowledge, customer service skills, and the ability to follow safety and sanitation guidelines, often requiring completion of food safety training. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, dishwashers, and kitchen equipment is typically expected. Strong teamwork, reliability, and communication skills help you interact effectively with coworkers and customers. These capabilities ensure efficient operations, high-quality service, and a safe dining environment.

What are some common challenges faced by student dining associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Student Dining Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high-volume meal times, multitasking between food preparation and serving, and maintaining cleanliness under time constraints. Effective time management and clear communication with team members are essential to ensure smooth operations. Many dining facilities provide on-the-job training and encourage teamwork, making it easier to adapt and succeed even during busy shifts. Seeking feedback and being open to learning can also help you grow and handle these challenges more confidently.

What is the difference between Student Dining Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectStudent Dining AssociateFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certification neededHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, college dining hallsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, universitiesFood service establishments, hospitality industry
Common TasksServing food, cleaning dining areas, assisting studentsPreparing food, serving customers, cleaning workstations

Both roles involve food service in institutional settings, but Student Dining Associates typically work in school environments assisting students and maintaining dining areas, while Food Service Workers often work in broader food establishments with more food preparation responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Student Dining jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Student Dining jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Student Dining Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Dining Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Student Dining Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Student Dining Associate job openings:

Student Dining Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Dining Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,466 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

EXECUTIVE CHEF - STUDENT DINING - UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Compass Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 500 rated business services

Job description

Salary:  $85,000 - $93,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Full benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, and 401K 

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. 

Job Summary

Do you enjoy crafting and implementing innovative culinary solutions to customers? We are currently seeking an Executive Chef at the globally recognized University of Chicago. You will be a lead culinarian within our dining programs with a variety of menu options including Gluten Free, Kosher, Halal, Vegan, and Vegerarian options. As a key leader in our dining programs, you'll spearhead menu development and preparation, infusing creativity and precision into every dish. This role entails managing budgeting and food costing, ensuring client and customer satisfaction, and fostering employee training and growth.

With Chartwells rapid growth trajectory, there's immense potential for you to advance professionally and make an immediate impact in our culinary landscape!  

Key Responsibilities 

  • Plan regular and modified menus according to established guidelines, adhering to standardized recipes and presentation standards.
  • Complete and implement daily production worksheets and waste log sheets.
  • Supervise and mentor chefs, cooks, and other team members on food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, and sanitation practices.
  • Ensure the implementation of culinary standards, including recipe compliance and food quality.
  • Manage inventory of food and non-food supplies, maintaining compliance with established guidelines while ensuring necessary products are available when needed.
  • Follow federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations and department procedures, as evidenced through audits conducted by local health departments and third-party entities.
  • Forecast annual food and labor costs and monitor actual financial results.
  • Foster strong client relationships to align our programs with their objectives, driving satisfaction and retention.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of dining service operations. 

Qualifications  

  • A.S. degree or equivalent experience.
  • Five or more years of progressive high volume culinary or kitchen management experience, depending on formal degree or training.
  • Experience in high-volume, hands-on foodservice operations.
  • Must be experienced with computers.
  • ServSafe® Certified.  

Embark on a dynamic career journey with us, where innovation and creativity thrive, and your contributions make a tangible impact on campus life! Join our team and be part of shaping exceptional dining experiences. 

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!

Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID: 1567058

Chartwells HE 

CINDY SCHOENFELD 

[[req_classification]] 

What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply