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Student Food Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Food Service

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$13.50 - $19.92/mo

Food Service: Serves students and staff from the cafeteria line, ensuring meals meet USDA reimbursable standards (e.g., ensuring students take required fruit or vegetable components). Sanitation ...

Food Service Assistant

Weed, CA · On-site

$38K - $54K/yr

Food Service Assistant at College of the Siskiyous Share on X Print Application Deadline Continuous ... Students have access to academic counseling, academic assessment, library services and resources ...

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Showing results 1-20

Student Food Service information

See California salary details

$7

$14

$24

How much do student food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for student food service in California is $14.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.97 and $16.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student food service?

Student food service jobs involve working in cafeterias, dining halls, or food courts on a school or college campus. These positions typically include tasks such as preparing and serving food, cleaning dining areas, washing dishes, and restocking supplies. Students in these roles often work part-time, gaining valuable customer service experience and time management skills. These jobs are popular among students because they offer flexible hours that fit around class schedules and provide opportunities to interact with peers and staff.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a student food service worker?

To thrive as a Student Food Service worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety practices, and often a high school diploma or enrollment. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and sometimes food handler certification is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and customer service skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, customer-focused environments. These competencies ensure safe food handling, efficient service, and positive dining experiences for customers.

What are common challenges faced by student food service workers, and how can they be managed?

Student food service workers often face challenges such as balancing work shifts with academic responsibilities, adapting to fast-paced environments during peak meal times, and maintaining excellent customer service. Effective time management, clear communication with supervisors about scheduling needs, and developing multitasking skills can help manage these challenges. Many teams foster a supportive atmosphere, and coworkers are usually willing to help new employees adjust and succeed.

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

AspectStudent Food ServiceFood Service Worker
CredentialsNone required or minimalFood Handler's Permit often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, campus diningRestaurants, cafeterias, catering
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsFood service establishments, hospitality
Search & ComparisonOften searched by students or parentsMore general, industry-wide search

Student Food Service roles typically involve working in school cafeterias with minimal certifications, focusing on assisting with meal service. Food Service Workers have similar environments but often require food handling permits and work in various food establishments. While both roles involve food preparation and service, Student Food Service is specific to educational settings, whereas Food Service Workers operate across the broader hospitality industry.

What are popular job titles related to Student Food Service jobs in California?

For Student Food Service jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Student Food Service jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Food Service jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Student Food Service jobs?

Cities in California with the most Student Food Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Student Food Service job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 47% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 12% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,170 per year, or $15 per hour.

Student Worker - Food Service or Catering - California State University - Dominguez Hills

Aramark

Carson, CA

$17.81/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,271 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

397th of 495 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

Your career starts here! Take advantage of our operations on your campus by kickstarting your future with our passionate teams and dedicated leaders who are ready to get you to where you want to go.  

As a Student Food Services / Catering Worker, not only will you play an important part in helping us prep food and follow safety guidelines, but you'll master customer service and social skills! Prior experience isn't the most important thing - we're looking for students who are ready to be trailblazers with Aramark. Pursue what matters and apply to join our team today. 

Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by location based on client requirements and business needs.  

Compensation Data

COMPENSATION: The Hourly rate for this position is $17.81 to $17.81. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and Acts. For jobs in San Francisco, this includes the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Job Responsibilities

    Prepares and builds food items according to standardized recipes and directions
    Properly stores food in accordance with standards
    Sets up workstations including prep tables, service counters, hot wells, steam tables, etc.
    Breaks down, cleans, and sanitizes workstations
    Serves food to customers while ensuring guest satisfaction and anticipating the customers' needs
    Replenishes food items and ensure product is stocked to appropriate levels
    Maintains excellent customer service and positive demeanor towards guest, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.
    Adheres to Aramark safety policies and procedures including food safety and sanitation
    Ensures security of company assets

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

    Previous food service experience preferred
    Must have or acquire food safety certification
    Demonstrates guest service skills

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


What Aramark employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Aramark logo

About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US