How much does a Food Service Aide make?
Food Service Aides play a vital role in the food industry. They help prepare and serve meals in various settings. The average yearly salary for a Food Service Aide is around $33,038. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer. Some aides may earn more, especially in larger cities or high-end restaurants.
Here are some salary ranges for Food Service Aides:
- The lowest 10% earn about $22,000 per year.
- The next 20% earn between $22,000 and $29,364 per year.
- The middle 20% earn between $29,364 and $34,273 per year.
- The next 20% earn between $34,273 and $39,182 per year.
- The highest 10% earn over $41,636 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Food Service Aide?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $47,158
In San Francisco, working in food service offers a dynamic environment with diverse culinary options. Many restaurants and cafes seek skilled aides to assist in busy kitchens. Prominent companies like Fog Harbor Fish House and Tartine Bakery provide excellent opportunities.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $45,192
Vallejo presents a vibrant food scene with a mix of local and chain restaurants. Aides here enjoy a supportive work environment. Companies like Raley's and Round Table Pizza are known for their welcoming atmosphere.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $44,885
Seattle's food service industry is bustling with activity. Aides can find work in a variety of settings, from coffee shops to fine dining. Starbucks and Ivar's Seafood Bar are notable employers in the area.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $44,564
Modesto offers a friendly community with a growing food service sector. Aides can expect a warm work environment. Local favorites like The Old Spaghetti Factory and The Farm provide great opportunities.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $44,341
Salinas has a rich agricultural influence, reflected in its food service industry. Aides here work in a supportive setting. Companies like Tanimura & Antle and various local eateries offer diverse experiences.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $44,094
Riverside's food service scene is vibrant and diverse. Aides can find work in a variety of settings, from casual diners to upscale restaurants. Local chains like Rubio's Coastal Grill and The Habit Burger Grill are popular employers.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $43,566
Los Angeles offers a dynamic and fast-paced food service environment. Aides can work in a variety of settings, from trendy restaurants to iconic eateries. Companies like In-N-Out Burger and The Cheesecake Factory provide excellent opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $43,389
San Jose's food service industry is diverse and innovative. Aides can find work in a variety of settings, from tech-focused cafes to traditional restaurants. Local favorites like The French Laundry and various tech company cafeterias offer unique experiences.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $40,789
New Haven offers a rich culinary scene with a mix of local and international influences. Aides here work in a supportive environment. Companies like Sally's Apizza and various university dining services provide excellent opportunities.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $40,000
Santa Rosa presents a vibrant food scene with a mix of local and chain restaurants. Aides can find work in a variety of settings, from casual diners to upscale eateries. Local favorites like The Mustard Seed and various wineries offer unique experiences.
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What are the best companies a Food Service Aide can work for?

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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $59,851
Sutter Health offers rewarding Food Service Aide jobs. They work in many hospitals and clinics across California. Sutter Health values teamwork and patient care. They provide training and career growth.
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Highline Public Schools
Average Salary: $49,458
Highline Public Schools offers Food Service Aide positions in schools across Washington. They work in cafeterias, preparing meals for students. They value community and teamwork. This job offers a chance to support students' nutrition.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $48,540
Kaiser Permanente provides Food Service Aide jobs in medical facilities. They work in hospitals and clinics across the West Coast. They focus on health and wellness. This job offers a chance to support patient care.
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Northwell Health
Average Salary: $45,513
Northwell Health offers Food Service Aide jobs in New York. They work in hospitals and clinics. They value teamwork and patient care. This job offers a chance to support healthcare staff.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Average Salary: $44,784
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers Food Service Aide jobs in state facilities. They work in schools, hospitals, and government buildings. They value public service and community. This job offers a chance to support state employees.
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IKEA
Average Salary: $43,674
IKEA offers Food Service Aide jobs in their stores. They work in the in-store cafeterias. They value creativity and customer service. This job offers a chance to support customers and staff.
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NMS
Average Salary: $42,789
NMS offers Food Service Aide jobs in their facilities. They work in cafeterias and dining areas. They value efficiency and quality. This job offers a chance to support staff and guests.
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Adient One LLC.
Average Salary: $42,125
Adient One LLC offers Food Service Aide jobs in their facilities. They work in cafeterias and dining areas. They value teamwork and quality. This job offers a chance to support employees.
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Advocate Aurora Health
Average Salary: $41,677
Advocate Aurora Health offers Food Service Aide jobs in their hospitals and clinics. They work in cafeterias and dining areas. They value patient care and teamwork. This job offers a chance to support healthcare staff.
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Reunion Rehabilitation Hospitals
Average Salary: $41,026
Reunion Rehabilitation Hospitals offers Food Service Aide jobs in their facilities. They work in cafeterias and dining areas. They value patient care and support. This job offers a chance to support patients and staff.
How to earn more as a Food Service Aide?
Aspiring to earn more as a Food Service Aide involves a combination of skills and strategies. One key factor is gaining experience in high-traffic restaurants or busy cafes. Working in these environments helps develop efficiency and adaptability, which are highly valued by employers. Another important aspect is learning new skills, such as basic cooking techniques or food safety practices. These skills can make a candidate more versatile and valuable to potential employers. Networking with other professionals in the industry can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attending industry events or joining professional organizations can provide valuable connections.
Additionally, obtaining certifications can significantly boost earning potential. Certifications in food safety or culinary skills can make a candidate stand out. Finally, seeking out positions in areas with a higher cost of living can lead to higher wages. Researching local job markets and understanding regional salary standards can help in making informed career decisions. By focusing on these factors, a Food Service Aide can enhance their career and increase their earnings.
Here are five factors to consider:
- Gain experience in high-traffic restaurants or busy cafes.
- Learn new skills, such as basic cooking techniques or food safety practices.
- Network with other professionals in the industry.
- Obtain certifications in food safety or culinary skills.
- Seek positions in areas with a higher cost of living.