As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cafeteria Aide in the United States is $32,386 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Cafeteria Aide's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cafeteria Aide's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cafeteria Aide's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cafeteria Aide | $32,020 |
| Intermediate Level Cafeteria Aide | $32,283 |
| Senior Level Cafeteria Aide | $32,795 |
| Specialist Level Cafeteria Aide | $32,898 |
| Expert Level Cafeteria Aide | $32,966 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cafeteria Aides. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 9.34% |
| Healthcare Services | 3.03% |
| POS System | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SOP
|
$37,891 |
17%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$34,653 |
7%
|
|
Organizing
|
$34,653 |
7%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$34,653 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$34,329 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$34,005 |
5%
|
For Cafeteria Aide roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Cafeteria Aide positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cafeteria Aide as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $40,482 | $19.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $38,863 | $19.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $38,863 | $19.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $37,243 | $18.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $35,624 | $17.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cafeteria Aides enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Cafeteria Aide with a No Diploma is between $28,238 and $30,684).
Cafeteria Aide Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.8% |
| High School | 52.8% |
| Associates | 13.0% |
| Bachelors | 26.0% |
| Masters | 2.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Cafeteria Aide's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Cafeteria Aide can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $31,367 in 2023 to around $30,854 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cafeteria Aide salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $31,367 |
| 2024 | $31,215 |
| 2025 | $30,854 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Cafeteria Aide roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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