Sub Food Service Worker information
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$10.25 - $11.36
2% of jobs
$11.36 - $12.48
5% of jobs
$12.48 - $13.59
6% of jobs
$14.27 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.59 - $14.71
15% of jobs
The median wage is $15.82 / hr.
$14.71 - $15.82
19% of jobs
$15.82 - $16.94
20% of jobs
$17.32 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.94 - $18.05
14% of jobs
$18.05 - $19.17
9% of jobs
$19.17 - $20.28
4% of jobs
$20.28 - $21.39
3% of jobs
How much do sub food service worker jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for sub food service worker in the United States is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Sub Food Service Workers, also known as substitute food service workers, are employees who temporarily fill in for regular food service staff in settings like schools, hospitals, or cafeterias. Their duties typically include preparing and serving food, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas, washing dishes, and following food safety guidelines. They are called in as needed to cover for absent employees or during busy periods, ensuring that meal service continues smoothly. This role requires flexibility, good hygiene practices, and the ability to work well as part of a team.
As a Sub Food Service Worker, you can expect to assist with meal preparation, serve food to students and staff, maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and cafeteria, and follow food safety guidelines. You'll often fill in for regular staff, which requires flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to different routines and teams. Collaboration with cooks, other food service workers, and custodial staff is common, and you may be asked to help with inventory or restocking supplies as needed. This role provides valuable experience in school nutrition services and can lead to more permanent opportunities within the district.
To thrive as a Sub Food Service Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and sometimes a food handler certification are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you adapt to different teams and serve customers efficiently. These skills ensure safe food handling, efficient service, and a positive dining experience for customers.
More about Sub Food Service Worker jobs What states have the most Sub Food Service Worker jobs?
States with the most job openings for Sub Food Service Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sub Food Service Worker jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Sub Food Service Worker jobs are:
