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Substitute Cafeteria Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ESS

Substitute Cafeteria Worker

Roseville, CA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Substitute Cafeteria Worker An ESS substitute Cafeteria Worker plays an integral role in preparing and delivering meals to students in a clean, safe, and healthy environment. Purpose Statement The ...

ESS

Substitute Cafeteria Worker

Roseville, CA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Substitute Cafeteria Worker An ESS substitute Cafeteria Worker plays an integral role in preparing and delivering meals to students in a clean, safe, and healthy environment. Purpose Statement The ...

Coffeeville School District

Cafeteria Worker

Coffeeville, MS · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Non-Certified - Position - Substitute Cafeteria Worker Job Number 4600320562 Start Date 08/03/2026 Open Date Closing Date 12/31/2026 Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma Contact Information ...

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How much do substitute cafeteria worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute cafeteria worker in the United States is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substitute cafeteria worker?

Substitute cafeteria workers are temporary staff members who fill in for regular cafeteria employees when they are absent. Their responsibilities typically include preparing and serving food, cleaning the kitchen and dining areas, restocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are followed. They may work in schools, hospitals, or other institutions that provide meal services. Substitutes help maintain smooth cafeteria operations and ensure that meal service continues without interruption.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substitute cafeteria worker?

To thrive as a Substitute Cafeteria Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of safe food handling, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and compliance with local food safety certifications, such as a food handler's permit, are typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication help you adapt quickly and work well within a team. These skills ensure safe, efficient meal service and maintain health standards in a fast-paced school environment.

What are some common challenges faced by substitute cafeteria workers, and how can they be managed?

Substitute cafeteria workers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to different kitchen environments, learning new routines, and collaborating with unfamiliar staff. Since they may be called in on short notice, flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to arrive early, ask questions, and review daily menus and sanitation protocols. Building a positive rapport with permanent staff can also make transitions smoother and ensure a successful shift.

What is the difference between Substitute Cafeteria Worker vs Cafeteria Worker?

AspectSubstitute Cafeteria WorkerCafeteria Worker
CredentialsNone typically required; some districts may prefer food service experienceUsually requires food handler permits or certifications
Work EnvironmentTemporary, on-call basis in school cafeteriasFull-time or part-time employment in school cafeterias
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsSchool districts, educational institutions
Job DutiesAssist in food service, serve students, clean upPrepare and serve meals, maintain cleanliness, assist students

Substitute Cafeteria Workers typically work on an as-needed basis without permanent hours, often requiring minimal certifications. In contrast, Cafeteria Workers are usually employed full-time or part-time with specific food safety certifications. Both roles operate within school food service environments and share similar duties, but the main difference lies in employment stability and certification requirements.

Do school substitute cafeteria workers get paid in the summer?

Substitute cafeteria workers are typically paid only for the days they work during the school year and do not usually receive summer pay unless they are employed year-round or have a separate summer contract. Payment policies vary by school district and employment agreements, so some districts may offer summer work or pay if the position is considered year-round or includes summer sessions.

How do you become a substitute cafeteria worker?

To become a substitute cafeteria worker, applicants typically need to complete an application process through the school district or organization, which may include background checks and fingerprinting. Some positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant experience or food service training can be beneficial. Availability to work flexible hours during school days is also important.

How much do substitute cafeteria workers get paid?

In Texas, substitute cafeteria workers typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $10 to $15, depending on the school district and experience. They often work part-time and may need to pass a background check or obtain a food handler's certification.
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Substitute Cafeteria Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substitute Cafeteria Worker job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,721 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Substitute Cafeteria Worker

Roseville, CA • On-site

ESS
See more jobs at ESSexternal

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Substitute Cafeteria Worker

An ESS substitute Cafeteria Worker plays an integral role in preparing and delivering meals to students in a clean, safe, and healthy environment.

Purpose Statement

The job of Cafeteria Worker was established for the purpose/s of preparing and distributing food items; providing complete and accurate documentation and audit trail for meals served; and maintaining facilities in a sanitary condition.

This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: assignments are specific and clearly defined. Incumbents must be aware and comply with safety and sanitation laws, policies and procedures.

This job reports to Director of Food Services or Designee

Essential Functions

  • Arranges food and beverage items (e.g. placing in steam tables, a la carte trays, filling racks, mobile carts, etc.) for the purpose of making items available to students and staff.
  • Cleans utensils, equipment, and the storage, food preparation and serving areas for the purpose of maintaining sanitary conditions.
  • Collects payments for food items from students and staff for the purpose of completing transactions and/or securing funds for reimbursement of costs.
  • Inspects food items, work areas,etc. (e.g. personal hygiene, proper food temperatures, etc.) for the purpose of preventing cross-contamination of food borne illnesses.
  • Loads carts, food warmers, trays, etc. for the purpose of ensuring that food and/or beverage items are available for transporting to other sites (by assignment).
  • Serves one or more items of food for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional requirements and/or requests of students and school personnel.
  • Uses proper body mechanics and cleaning procedures for the purpose of preventing accidental injuries to self and others.
  • Assists students (e.g. retrieving utensils, cleaning spills, finding seats, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring a safe, timely and healthy mealtime experience.
  • Intervenes during incidents, accidents and/or potential emergency situations for the purpose of minimizing lunchroom disruptions and/or injury to involved parties.
  • Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g. accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.

Other Functions

  • Assists other personnel for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
  • Responds to inquiries of students, staff and the public for the purpose of providing information and/or directing to others.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating equipment used in school cafeteria; maintaining accurate records; and providing customer service.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: food safety and sanitation requirements; and basic kitchen utensils and equipment.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: working as part of a team; meeting deadlines and schedules; and working with children.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; and operating within a defined budget. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent climbing and balancing; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 5% sitting, 25% walking, and 70% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience

Job related experience is desired.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent.

Required Testing

Pre-employment Medical Examination

Pre-employment Proficiency Test

Continuing Educ. / Training

As Needed

FLSA Status

Non Exempt

Certificates & Licenses

Food Handler's Certificate

Clearances

Criminal Justice/Fingerprint Clearance TB Clearance

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • A.A. degree, 48 units beyond the high school diploma, or passage of district county test in reading, math, writing per the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
  • TB test clearance
  • Department of Justice background check

For more information on ESS's requirements and processes, click here .

Privacy Information

When you apply for a position with ESS, we collect personal information such as:

  • Contact details (name, email, phone, address)
  • Application materials (resume, work history, education, references)
  • Information you choose to provide during the hiring process (interviews, assessments, background checks, as permitted by law)

We use this information to:

  • Evaluate your candidacy and qualifications
  • Conduct interviews and background checks
  • Manage our recruitment and hiring processes
  • Comply with applicable legal obligations

We do not sell or share applicant personal information. We retain it as long as necessary for recruitment, compliance, and potential future opportunities.

You may have rights under U.S. state privacy laws, including to request access, correction, deletion, or limitation of your personal information.

For details about our practices and your rights, please review our full Privacy Notices below.

Click here if you are a California resident: CA Privacy Policy

Click here if you reside in all other U.S. states: Privacy Policy

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