How much does a Food Service Aide make?
A Food Service Aide can expect to earn a variety of incomes. On average, they make around $33,544 each year. This job offers a range of salaries. The lowest 10% earn about $22,000 a year. Most earn between $27,207 and $37,622. The highest 10% make more than $40,225 a year.
This range allows for growth and advancement. Starting salaries are often lower. With experience and skill, earnings can rise. Top earners often work in busy or upscale restaurants. They may have additional responsibilities, like overseeing a team or managing a station. The path to higher pay often includes gaining experience and developing strong work habits.
What are the highest paying cities for a Food Service Aide?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $47,591
Working in San Francisco's vibrant food scene means serving in high-end restaurants and trendy cafes. Companies like Bon Appétit and Chef's Table offer unique opportunities to learn and grow.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $45,322
In Seattle, assisting in food service means enjoying the city's love for fresh seafood. Positions with companies like IHOP and Starbucks provide a chance to work in well-known eateries.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $45,214
Vallejo offers a range of options from casual diners to fine dining. Working in local restaurants, such as those in the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, provides diverse experiences.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $44,764
Modesto’s food service positions often include work in family-owned restaurants and local chains. It's a great place to build a solid career foundation.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $44,375
In Riverside, food service roles can be found in everything from cozy cafes to bustling eateries. Opportunities exist with companies like Café Rio and local favorites.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $44,341
Salinas offers a chance to work in a community-focused environment. Food service positions here include work in agricultural-themed restaurants and local cafes.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $43,816
Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment with countless dining options. Positions with major chains like McDonald's and In-N-Out Burger offer diverse experiences.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $43,657
San Jose’s food service industry is thriving, with roles in everything from fast food to fine dining. Working with companies like Chuck E. Cheese’s can lead to various career opportunities.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $40,789
New Haven offers a mix of classic diners and modern eateries. Food service positions here include work in local favorites and university dining services.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $40,423
In Santa Rosa, food service work often includes assisting in wine country restaurants and local bistros. It's a great place to learn the culinary arts.
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What are the best companies a Food Service Aide can work for?

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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $60,010
Sutter Health offers a wide range of healthcare services across Northern California. Food Service Aides at Sutter Health prepare meals for patients and staff. They work in clean, modern facilities, ensuring high standards of hygiene and nutrition.
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Highline Public Schools
Average Salary: $49,576
Highline Public Schools provide educational services to students in the Seattle area. Food Service Aides at Highline Public Schools assist in preparing and serving meals in school cafeterias. They help maintain a healthy eating environment for students and staff.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $49,314
Kaiser Permanente is a large healthcare provider with locations across the United States. Food Service Aides at Kaiser Permanente prepare and serve meals to patients and staff. They work in a clean, well-equipped kitchen, ensuring meals meet high standards of quality and safety.
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NYC Health + Hospitals
Average Salary: $46,151
NYC Health + Hospitals offer healthcare services to New York City residents. Food Service Aides at these hospitals prepare and serve meals to patients and staff. They maintain a clean and efficient kitchen, ensuring all meals meet health regulations.
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Northwell Health
Average Salary: $46,063
Northwell Health is a large healthcare provider on Long Island and New York City. Food Service Aides at Northwell Health prepare and serve meals in a clean, professional kitchen. They help create a welcoming dining environment for patients and staff.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Average Salary: $45,136
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers various services to its residents. Food Service Aides at state facilities prepare meals for employees and visitors. They ensure meals meet health and safety standards in clean, well-equipped kitchens.
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IKEA
Average Salary: $43,837
IKEA is a popular furniture and home goods retailer with stores worldwide. Food Service Aides at IKEA help prepare and serve meals at in-store restaurants. They work in a busy environment, ensuring meals are ready quickly and taste great.
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NMS
Average Salary: $42,203
NMS provides various services and support. Food Service Aides at NMS prepare and serve meals in a professional setting. They maintain high standards of cleanliness and quality in the kitchen, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
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Beth Israel Lahey Health
Average Salary: $42,073
Beth Israel Lahey Health is a healthcare provider in Massachusetts. Food Service Aides at this organization prepare and serve meals to patients and staff. They work in clean, modern kitchens, ensuring meals meet health and safety guidelines.
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Publix
Average Salary: $40,986
Publix is a supermarket chain in the southeastern United States. Food Service Aides at Publix assist in preparing and serving meals at in-store restaurants. They work in a friendly, fast-paced environment, ensuring meals are delicious and served promptly.
How to earn more as a Food Service Aide?
To increase earnings as a Food Service Aide, consider several factors that can lead to higher income. One major factor involves acquiring additional skills. This may include learning how to prepare more complex dishes or mastering kitchen equipment. Fluency in multiple languages can also be an asset, especially in diverse communities.
Another way to earn more is by seeking opportunities for advancement. Moving up from a basic Food Service Aide role to a cook or kitchen manager can bring higher wages. Experience and expertise often lead to promotions. Networking with colleagues and supervisors can also open doors to higher-paying positions. Certifications in food safety and handling can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Going above and beyond regular duties by being a team player and taking on extra responsibilities can also earn recognition and potential raises.
A willingness to work extra hours, such as evenings, weekends, and holidays, can lead to higher earnings. This is common in busy restaurants and food service environments. Some employers may offer shift differentials for non-standard hours. Additionally, exploring job opportunities in higher-end restaurants or hotels may result in better pay. Lastly, staying informed about market trends and salary benchmarks in the food service industry can help in negotiating better compensation packages.



