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Tray Aide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Tray Aide information

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How much do tray aide jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for tray aide in the United States is $14.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tray Aide, and why are they important?

To excel as a Tray Aide, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to detail, and basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices. Familiarity with dietary management software and food service equipment is often required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help ensure positive interactions with patients and colleagues. These abilities are crucial for providing safe, accurate meal delivery and supporting the overall patient care experience.

What are some common challenges Tray Aides face during busy meal service times, and how can they effectively manage them?

Tray Aides often experience high-paced environments, especially during peak meal service times in healthcare or hospitality settings. Challenges include ensuring dietary accuracy for patients or residents, managing last-minute changes, and maintaining hygiene standards under time pressure. Effective time management, clear communication with dietary staff and nursing teams, and strong organizational skills are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth, error-free tray delivery.

What is a Tray Aide?

A Tray Aide is a healthcare support worker responsible for preparing, assembling, and delivering meal trays to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other care facilities. They ensure that meals adhere to specific dietary requirements and handle food safely to prevent contamination. Tray Aides also collect used trays, clean work areas, and may assist with simple food service tasks. Their role is important for patient nutrition and overall wellbeing within healthcare settings.

What is the difference between Tray Aide vs Nursing Assistant?

AspectTray AideNursing Assistant
CertificationsMay require basic training or certification depending on stateOften requires CNA certification
Work EnvironmentAssists in food service and tray delivery in healthcare settingsProvides direct patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesDelivers meals, assists with feeding, maintains tray accuracyAssists with bathing, dressing, mobility, and basic patient care

While both roles support patient well-being, a Tray Aide primarily focuses on meal delivery and tray management, whereas a Nursing Assistant provides broader direct patient care. The roles often overlap in healthcare settings, but their certifications, responsibilities, and work scope differ significantly.

More about Tray Aide jobs
What cities are hiring for Tray Aide jobs? Cities with the most Tray Aide job openings:
What states have the most Tray Aide jobs? States with the most job openings for Tray Aide jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tray Aide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $30,889 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Food and Nutrition Hospitality Associate

Food and Nutrition Hospitality Associate

Cooper University Hospital

Camden, NJ • On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Cooper University Health Care rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About Us
At Cooper University Health Care, our commitment to providing extraordinary health care begins with our team. Our extraordinary professionals are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhanced access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies and research protocols. We have a commitment to our employees to provide competitive rates and compensation programs. Cooper offers full and part-time employees a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement. We also provide attractive working conditions and opportunities for career growth through professional development.
Discover why Cooper University Health Care is the employer of choice in South Jersey.
Short Description
This position can work tray line, host/hostess, cafeteria, deli, cashier, salad bar, pizza, etc. Can act as runner and be responsible for restocking and cleanliness.
Responsible for ensuring all stations are ready for operations, including accuracy, speed and having a sense of urgency. This includes setting up next shift for success. Daily cleaning of respective areas and a clean as you go policy to be enforced. Hosts/hostesses are responsible for requesting two patient identifiers (date of birth and full name of patient) and assisting patient with opening items if required. Hosts/hostesses must ensure condiment boxes are restocked, patient delivery carts are sanitized, etc.
COMPLETE ANY OTHER DUTIES/CLEANING AS ASSIGNED
Daily cleaning to include starter stations, air- curtain refrigerators, host/hostess carts, ice cream freezers, beverage center and any other areas as deemed necessary in-patient services. In the retail areas all set-up and breakdown of stations must be cleaned and sanitized between shifts and fully restocked. Everything must be dated and labeled and temps recorded daily - twice per day.
All staff members may be asked to perform other tasks and/or temporarily re-assigned to other work areas, as business needs require. Break times are subject to change contingent upon business needs.
Experience Required
3-5 years customer service/hospitality experience preferred (This includes cashiering, waitressing, ambassador, cashier, telephone sales, office management, receptionist, salesclerk in any platform, operator, tray aide, hostess/host, catering, casino worker, front desk clerk, call center, medical assistant, deli, pizza station experience, order taking, etc.) knowledge of diets helpful.
Education Requirements
High School Diploma/GED Preferred.
License/Certification Requirements
ServSafe helpful.
Special Requirements
Performs all duties required to maintain the efficient operations of the tray line, cafeteria and host/hostess responsibilities in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Food and Nutrition Services Department.
Always providing friendly, efficient and courteous service to all patients, customers and co-workers.
Salary Min ($)
USD $16.50
Salary Max ($)
USD $25.00

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