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Substitute Cafeteria Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Cafeteria Worker

Kane, PA · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

Substitute/Substitute Day to Day Cafeteria Worker Date Posted: 4/15/2013 Location: Food ServicePosition Available : Cafeteria Worker Substitute 1. Duties include: assisting head cook and full-time ...

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Substitute Cafeteria Worker information

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$25

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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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

Middletown, DE • On-site

Delaware Schools Consortium
Education • 10K+ employees

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Substitute/Nutrition
Date Posted:
9/24/2021
Location:
MOT Charter School
District:
MOT Charter School
Position: Substitute Cafeteria Worker
Employment Type: Non-Professional/Non-Exempt/At-Will
Reports To: Cafeteria Manager
Position Summary: Assist the Cafeteria Manager to provide a high quality cafeteria experience for the students and to ensure that the school food service is operated so as to comply with state and local regulations regarding the commercial preparation and distribution of food. To provide excellent maintenance of required documentation and vendor files while complying with all corporate, local, state and federal guidelines and procedures.
General Responsibilities:
  1. Share a commitment to the success of the mission, goals, and objectives of the MOT Charter School.
  2. Set high expectations and standards for the food service provided by MOT Charter School.
  3. Function as a Cafeteria Monitor, Cashier, or Kitchen Staff as needed and assigned.
  4. Support the Cafeteria Manager by offering organizational assistance that ensures compliance with all corporate, local, state and federal guidelines and procedures.
  5. Support a school philosophy that values continuous learning for adults tied into student learning and other school goals.
  6. Support all efforts to provide opportunities for the community to be involved in student and school success.
  7. Demonstrate genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal expectations.
  8. Promote healthful eating and good citizenship through actions as a role model.
  9. Provide a cafeteria atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair, and consistent practices, respect for individual children, and the development of responsible citizenship.
  10. Keep the Cafeteria Manager informed of all necessary information including customer and staff complaints/incidents.
  11. If directed by Cafeteria Manager track and provide documentation of meal payment and non-payment. Keep accurate and timely meal payment records. Collect unpaid balances in a timely manner.
  12. Other duties as assigned by Administration or Cafeteria Manager.
Primary Tasks:
  1. Cafeteria Monitor
    1. Assist students by opening packages and milk cartons, cleaning up spills and providing additional assistance as needed.
    2. Help ensure that students go through the cafeteria line in an orderly fashion and proceed to their tables.
    3. Monitor the behavior of the students and enforce school policies and procedures.
    4. Address inappropriate student behaviors and report them to the appropriate school authorities.
    5. Ensure that students cleaned their tables and dispose of their trash in the designated receptacles.
    6. Sweeping the cafeteria floor, cleaning up any spills or leftover trash and putting all chairs in the proper place.
  2. Cashier
    1. Use the point of service computer system appropriately to accurately capture reimbursable meals and a la carte purchases during breakfast and lunch service as assigned.
    2. Know the prices of items offered for sale, handle cash, make correct change, and count money accurately.
    3. Understand the components of a reimbursable meal and ensure that student reimbursable meals contain the required elements.
    4. Assist in supervising students after all students have been served.
    5. Restock service line as needed.
    6. Assist in meal preparation and service as needed.
  3. Kitchen Staff
    1. Comply with state and local regulations regarding the commercial preparation and distribution of food.
    2. Maintain a clean, safe work environment by following Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and other sanitation principles in food handling and equipment use.
    3. Practice proper food preparation, food holding and display/marketing techniques that assure high quality food products and customer satisfaction.
    4. Assist in inspecting cooking equipment and utensils for cleanliness and functional operation.
    5. Maintain cleanliness and proper sanitation in the kitchen area including: washing dishes and all utensils used in food preparation and service; daily cleaning of counter tops, oven, stove, warmers and other kitchen surfaces; cleaning refrigerators, freezers, cabinets, carts.
    6. Under supervision of the Cafeteria Manager, assist in developing menus in accordance with federal dietary standards (USDA).
    7. Understand the components of a reimbursable meal and ensure that student reimbursable meals contain the required elements.
    8. Assist and record information on production report on daily basis. Record temperatures of all refrigeration and freezer units on daily basis.
    9. Assist in the food order process with approval of Cafeteria Manager.
    10. Under supervision of Cafeteria Manager inventory supplies, equipment and food, and assist in putting away deliveries in a timely manner.
    11. Report supply needs and equipment loss or damage to the Cafeteria Manager.
    12. Prepare food in accordance with established procedures and protocols, including the use of appropriate protective clothing such as plastic gloves and hairnets.
    13. Avoid waste in purchasing or use of food supplies and materials.
    14. Assist in supervising students as needed.
Performance Standards:
  • Complete preparation duties and maintain desired temperature of food being served within operational time parameters.
  • Be consistent and reliable in arrival and attendance, including staff development days as required, in order to assure the proper training, and operation of the kitchen.
  • Conduct one-self according to professional, ethical principles. Continuously strive to improve food preparation methods, service techniques, and interpersonal relationships.
  • Display personal qualities that reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the school.
  • Display pride in being a member of the MOT Charter School team.
  • Adhere to all procedures and policies as outlined in the Employee Manual.
  • Display a professional appearance.
  • Maintain a positive working relationship with faculty, staff, board members, parents, students, authorizer and community.
  • Be courteous, professional and tactful at all times.

Requires Education/Skills:
High School Diploma or GED required. Knowledge of basic nutritional principles and demonstrated ability to plan and serve well balanced meals and snacks. Three years directly related experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.
In addition, must demonstrate the ability to:
  • Communicate orally and in writing.
  • Maintain an organized work environment.
  • Work on multiple projects and respond to requests and deadlines in an accurate, timely manner.
  • Make sound decisions within the parameters of authority.
  • Move groceries and cooking supplies as needed. Ability to lift up to 48 pounds, carry 48 pounds, and push/pull 35 pounds of force.
  • Stand and walk on hard surfaces for extended periods.
  • Bend, stoop or crouch occasionally.
  • Withstand frequent use of hands and fingers
  • Ability to work in the presence of loud background noise
  • Ability to adapt to changes in room temperature.

Disclaimer: This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of this position. It is not intended to limit, or in any way to modify, the right of any supervisor to assign, direct or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The use of a particular illustration shall not be used to exclude non-listed duties of similar kind or level of difficulty.

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About Delaware Schools Consortium

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Delaware Schools Consortium (DSC), located in Dover, DE, US, is an organization in the education industry. The company, accessible via its official website at joindelawareschools.org, serves as a hub for public and charter schools across Delaware, sharing resources, knowledge, and opportunities. Founded on the notion of unified leadership and common values, DSC's mission is to foster cooperation and collaboration among schools, facilitating the growth of the education sector in the region. The consortium represents a wide range of institutions, from primary and secondary schools to vocational colleges. Its achievements include promoting educational advancement in the region, aiding in the allocation of resources, and supporting countless teachers, administrators, and students on their educational journeys.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dover, DE, US

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