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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Service Associate in Nebraska is $30,169 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Food Service Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Food Service Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $32,218 | $2,685 | $620 | $15 |
| Average | $30,169 | $2,514 | $580 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,518 | $2,293 | $529 | $13 |
Boys Town - Omaha, NE
University Of Nebraska-lincoln - Curtis, NE
Phelps Memorial Health Center - Holdrege, NE
Compass Group - Seward, NE
A Food Service Associate'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Food Service Associate'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 Food Service Associate | $30,169 |
| Intermediate Level Food Service Associate | $30,417 |
| Senior Level Food Service Associate | $30,899 |
| Specialist Level Food Service Associate | $30,996 |
| Expert Level Food Service Associate | $31,060 |
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 Food Service Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Food Service Associate 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, Food Service Associate positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Service Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $37,711 | $18.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $36,202 | $17.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $36,202 | $17.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $34,694 | $17.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $33,185 | $16.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Food Service Associate'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $32,218 | $2,685 | $620 | $15 |
| Average | $30,169 | $2,514 | $580 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,518 | $2,293 | $529 | $13 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food Service Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Chartwells HE
Seward, NE
Chartwells HE | Seward, NE
Job Description. Job Description. . Location. Concordia University. We are hiring immediately for full time and part time. FAST FOOD FOOD SERVICE. position... more
5 Days Ago
Manpower
Omaha, NE
Manpower | Omaha, NE
Baker and Food Service Staff. Our client, a leading provider in university dining services, is seeking a baker and food service staff to join their team. A... more
4 Days Ago
The Greater Nebraska Schools Hiring Consortium
Fort Calhoun, NE
The Greater Nebraska Schools Hiring Consortium | Fort Calhoun, NE
Part Time Assistant Cook. Fort Calhoun Food Service Dept. is looking to fill a part time assistant cook position at the High School. Regular hours 10 am-1:... more
3 Days Ago
Bellevue Public Schools (Nebraska)
Bellevue, NE
Bellevue Public Schools (Nebraska) | Bellevue, NE
Cafeteria Manager Position. Applications are being accepted for a seven hour per day Cafeteria Manager position at Leonard Lawrence Elementary School. The ... more
4 Days Ago
Bellevue Public Schools (Nebraska)
Bellevue, NE
Bellevue Public Schools (Nebraska) | Bellevue, NE
Head Cook Position. Applications are being accepted for a 7 hour per day Head Cook position at Bellevue West High School. In absence of a cafeteria manager... more
5 Days Ago
Bellevue Public Schools (Nebraska)
Bellevue, NE
Bellevue Public Schools (Nebraska) | Bellevue, NE
Kitchen Assistant Position. Applications are being accepted for a five hour per day Kitchen Assistant position at Bellevue East High School. Duties include... more
6 Days Ago
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