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How much do university food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for university food service 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.

What are university food service workers?

University food service workers are staff members who prepare, serve, and manage food and beverages for students, faculty, and visitors at college or university dining facilities. Their responsibilities may include cooking meals, operating cash registers, cleaning dining areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. They play a crucial role in supporting campus life by providing nutritious and convenient meal options. Depending on the institution, they may work in dining halls, cafes, catering services, or concession stands.

What are some common challenges faced by staff in a university food service environment?

Working in university food service often involves managing high-volume meal periods, especially during peak hours when students have limited time between classes. Staff must adapt to a fast-paced environment, maintain food safety standards, and deliver quality service efficiently. Flexibility is important, as menus and dietary needs can vary widely among students. Teamwork and clear communication with kitchen and front-of-house colleagues are essential to ensure smooth operations and a positive dining experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in University Food Service, and why are they important?

To thrive in University Food Service, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic culinary techniques, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help individuals excel in a fast-paced, diverse campus environment. These skills are essential for maintaining food quality, ensuring safety, and providing positive dining experiences for students and staff.

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

AspectUniversity Food ServiceUniversity Food Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentCampus dining halls, cafeterias, catering eventsCampus dining halls, cafeterias, catering events
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, educational institutionsUniversities, colleges, educational institutions
Job ResponsibilitiesOverseeing food service operations, managing staff, ensuring quality standardsAssisting with food prep, serving, cleaning, and maintaining sanitation

University Food Service roles typically involve managing food operations and supervising staff, requiring some managerial skills. In contrast, University Food Service Workers focus on supporting food prep, serving, and maintaining cleanliness. Both roles are essential for campus dining services and share similar work environments and certifications.

More about University Food Service jobs
What cities are hiring for University Food Service jobs? Cities with the most University Food Service job openings:
What states have the most University Food Service jobs? States with the most job openings for University Food Service jobs include:
What job categories do people searching University Food Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for University Food Service jobs are:
University Food Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Food Service job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, and 53% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,746 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
UNT Dining - Senior Food Service Manager

UNT Dining - Senior Food Service Manager

University of North Texas System

Denton, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Title: UNT Dining - Senior Food Service Manager

Employee Classification: Senior Food Service Manager

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Student Affairs

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Dining Service

Department: UNT-Dining-Residential-163720

Job Location: Denton

Salary: salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
 
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
 
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
 

Department Summary

It’s About the Food!
Why work for UNT Dining? Our employees explain. – YouTube
As the largest self-supported food service department in North Texas, UNT Dining Services is setting the standard for campus dining. With five Dining Halls, more than 20 retail locations, an upscale restaurant, a hydroponic garden, a central scratch bakery, and full-service catering, the department is led by a team of professionally trained chefs and hospitality experts. UNT is recognized as a national leader in university dining, known for its innovative, trendsetting approach and award-winning culinary talent.
UNT Dining Services is home to Mean Greens Café, the nation’s first 100% vegan collegiate dining hall, and Kitchen West, Texas’ first and only university dining hall certified Free From™ the Big 8 food allergens and gluten. In 2021, UNT introduced Eagle Landing, the university’s first standalone dining hall, inspired by urban food halls and featuring seven distinct restaurant concepts—all available for a single Meal Plan swipe.
Recognized for excellence, UNT was ranked No. 2 nationwide for best college food by Delish.com. The department is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Loyal E. Horton Award and the Vegan Recipe Award from the National Association of College and University Food Services. As a founding member of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, UNT plays an active role in pioneering research on plant-forward diets, food waste reduction, and consumer food choices, all while advancing the principles of healthy, sustainable menus.

Position Overview

The Senior Food Service Manager plays a vital leadership role within Dining Services, overseeing daily operations in a high-volume, all-you-care-to-eat dining environment. This position is responsible for managing food production, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, controlling costs, and supervising both student employees and full-time staff.
Key responsibilities include directing food preparation, training and mentoring team members, maintaining high standards for food quality and presentation, and fostering a positive dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and guests. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Senior Food Service Manager is essential to the overall success and efficiency of Dining operations.
Strong leadership, extensive food service experience, and excellent communication skills are critical for success in this role.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field and three years of experience in food service management; or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of dining, retail, and/or catering service operations. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of dietetics management knowledge and leadership skills related to business operations including planning, budgeting, organizing, controlling, and evaluating. Ability to analyze and solve problems, and make the necessary decisions on personnel, food preparation or food handling problems that may develop. Knowledge of cost and quality control techniques. Demonstrates good leadership skills and judgment. Skill in training, supervising, and evaluating the work of subordinates. Ability to develop and present formal and informal training and development programs. Knowledge of safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed. Superior attention to detail to ensure that UNT special events are executed to meet the departments high quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate will possess the following qualifications:
A minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience in a food service or related environment
Strong work ethic with a commitment to operational excellence
An outgoing and engaging personality with the ability to lead and motivate teams
A demonstrated enthusiasm for professional growth and contributing to the continued success of UNT Residential Dining operations

Required License/Registration/Certifications

ServSafe Certification (or equivalent) in food safety and sanitation, or can obtain within 6 months

Job Duties

  • Oversees food quality, customer service, and overall management of the assigned area in Dining Services. Possess a strong understanding of dietetics management principles and demonstrate leadership skills in business operations, including planning, budgeting, organizing, controlling, and evaluating processes. 
  • Exhibits strong leadership abilities and sound judgment. Proficient in training, supervising, and assessing the performance of team members. Capable of creating and delivering both formal and informal training and development programs. Knowledgeable in food safety practices related to the tasks at hand. 
  • Delivers an exceptional dining experience in the cafeteria, centered on culinary excellence and prompt, friendly service. Treats every customer in the dining hall as a valued guest, ensuring their experience is exceptional. Fosters a collaborative and supportive team culture that promotes open communication and encourages employee engagement 
  • Ensures adherence to University policies, health codes, and safety standards by regularly reviewing practices for compliance. Oversees kitchen operations to maintain strict adherence to HACCP and SOP processes at all times. 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Hours Vary

Driving University Vehicle

Yes

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.

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