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How much do university food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 11% 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.
Food Service Worker - Hampton University

Food Service Worker - Hampton University

Thompson Hospitality Corporation

Hampton, VA • On-site

$12.50 - $15.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Thompson Hospitality rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Looking to be part of a fast-paced team that brings great food and service to life? The Food Service Worker in our campus dining facility at Hampton University is an essential team member responsible for various tasks in the food service operation. This role involves food preparation, customer service, maintaining cleanliness, and contributing to a positive dining experience for students, faculty, and staff.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare menu items following recipes and portion sizes for consistent quality and timely service.
  • Provide exceptional customer service, taking orders, answering inquiries, and addressing concerns.
  • Maintain dining, kitchen, and serving area cleanliness following safety standards.
  • Assist with receiving, organizing, and stocking supplies and equipment.
  • Follow food safety and health regulations and cooperate with team members to ensure smooth dining operations.

Qualifications
  • Prior food service experience preferred but not required.
  • Customer-oriented with strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Adaptability and physical stamina for a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Pass a background check and drug test.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods.
  • Lift up to 30 lbs.
  • Reach, bend, and stoop occasionally.

Who We Are:
Hampton University is a historically Black university located in Hampton, Virginia, with a rich history and strong ties to the African American experience. Located on the scenic Virginia Peninsula where history meets innovation, HU offers a vibrant academic community with top-tier programs in liberal arts, technology, and graduate studies. Representing 49 states and 35 countries, our close-knit campus is alive with diversity and drive. Hampton University offers more than an education - it's an experience that shapes leaders, inspires dreams, and launches futures.
Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Thompson Hospitality logo

About Thompson Hospitality

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Thompson Hospitality is the nation's largest minority-owned food and facilities management company. Our services include hospitality, full dining and quick service restaurants, campus dining, diversity consultation, facility operations and maintenance management. We are a family-run organization with more than twenty-five years providing services built on our core mission to provide a positive experience to every relationship we are involved in: one guest, one client, one team member at a time. As a fast growing company, we have a growth plan to more than double in size over the next three years. We are looking for team members who are interested in developing their careers to the next level while joining our team of over 4,000 employees, serving clients in over 40 states to include more than 1.9 million guests each year.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Year founded

1992

Social media

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