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Cafeteria monitor salary
Average cafeteria monitor salary
$15.83
Understanding Cafeteria Monitor Salaries
Cafeteria monitors play a crucial role in maintaining a positive dining experience for students. The average salary for this position is $32,923 per year, or about $16 per hour. Salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific institution of employment.
Salary by State
Different states offer varying salaries for cafeteria monitors. For instance, monitors in states like California and New York often earn higher wages due to the cost of living and demand for school support staff. In contrast, states with lower living costs may offer salaries closer to the national average.
Experience Levels and Salary
Entry-level cafeteria monitors typically start at lower salaries, but with experience, there is potential for significant increases. Monitors with several years of experience or those who take on additional responsibilities may see their salaries rise to around $40,000 or more, depending on their role and location.
Job Opportunities
Cafeteria monitoring is not just a job; it's a stepping stone for many into educational roles. Those looking to advance in their careers may find opportunities in administrative positions within schools or further educational roles, enhancing their earning potential.
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Where can a Cafeteria Monitor earn more?
Cafeteria monitor salaries by experience level
| Experience level | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level cafeteria monitor | $29,200 | $14.04 |
| Mid-level cafeteria monitor | $36,500 | $17.53 |
| Senior-level cafeteria monitor | $36,200 | $17.42 |
Cafeteria monitor salary estimates from across the web
Average cafeteria monitor salary by state
The average cafeteria monitor salary in Maine, New York, and Massachusetts are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average cafeteria monitor salary states are Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for cafeteria monitors
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | $37,030 | $17.80 |
| 2 | Alaska | $35,847 | $17.23 |
| 3 | New York | $39,296 | $18.89 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $34,420 | $16.55 |
| 5 | Maine | $39,858 | $19.16 |
| 6 | New Hampshire | $33,814 | $16.26 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $37,492 | $18.02 |
| 8 | District of Columbia | $38,482 | $18.50 |
| 9 | California | $32,260 | $15.51 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $33,087 | $15.91 |
| 11 | Washington | $32,022 | $15.40 |
| 12 | Michigan | $29,768 | $14.31 |
| 13 | North Dakota | $32,557 | $15.65 |
| 14 | Wisconsin | $28,593 | $13.75 |
| 15 | Arizona | $27,095 | $13.03 |
| 16 | New Jersey | $28,533 | $13.72 |
| 17 | Hawaii | $36,062 | $17.34 |
| 18 | Illinois | $29,430 | $14.15 |
| 19 | Oregon | $27,212 | $13.08 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $26,559 | $12.77 |
| 21 | Minnesota | $29,685 | $14.27 |
| 22 | Idaho | $31,248 | $15.02 |
| 23 | Delaware | $30,939 | $14.87 |
| 24 | Indiana | $25,761 | $12.39 |
| 25 | Ohio | $26,854 | $12.91 |
| 26 | Maryland | $30,645 | $14.73 |
| 27 | Kentucky | $24,253 | $11.66 |
| 28 | Nevada | $25,420 | $12.22 |
| 29 | Kansas | $24,349 | $11.71 |
| 30 | Colorado | $26,401 | $12.69 |
| 31 | West Virginia | $26,049 | $12.52 |
| 32 | Oklahoma | $22,587 | $10.86 |
| 33 | Iowa | $25,409 | $12.22 |
| 34 | Florida | $23,316 | $11.21 |
| 35 | Missouri | $22,767 | $10.95 |
| 36 | North Carolina | $24,475 | $11.77 |
| 37 | Georgia | $23,185 | $11.15 |
| 38 | New Mexico | $22,740 | $10.93 |
| 39 | Virginia | $24,100 | $11.59 |
| 40 | Wyoming | $23,897 | $11.49 |
| 41 | South Dakota | $23,293 | $11.20 |
| 42 | Texas | $21,230 | $10.21 |
| 43 | Arkansas | $22,359 | $10.75 |
| 44 | South Carolina | $22,175 | $10.66 |
| 45 | Tennessee | $21,308 | $10.24 |
| 46 | Louisiana | $19,928 | $9.58 |
| 47 | Montana | $22,038 | $10.60 |
| 48 | Mississippi | $16,767 | $8.06 |
| 49 | Utah | $21,551 | $10.36 |
| 50 | Alabama | $20,298 | $9.76 |
| 51 | Nebraska | $18,832 | $9.05 |
Highest paying cities for cafeteria monitors
The highest-paying cities for cafeteria monitors are Clifton Park, NY, Stratford, CT, and Lodi, CA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clifton Park, NY | $39,242 | $18.87 |
| 2 | Stratford, CT | $34,458 | $16.57 |
| 3 | Lodi, CA | $32,297 | $15.53 |
| 4 | Duluth, MN | $31,128 | $14.97 |
| 5 | Paterson, NJ | $28,731 | $13.81 |
| 6 | Harrisburg, PA | $26,143 | $12.57 |
| 7 | Kansas City, KS | $24,666 | $11.86 |
| 8 | Austin, TX | $21,321 | $10.25 |
| 9 | Cleveland, TN | $21,177 | $10.18 |
| 10 | Meridian, MS | $16,733 | $8.04 |
Cafeteria monitor salary details
A cafeteria monitor's salary ranges from $19,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $55,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a cafeteria monitor's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $55,000 | $4,583 | $26 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,000 | $3,583 | $21 |
| Average | $32,923 | $2,744 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,000 | $2,000 | $12 |
| 10th Percentile | $19,000 | $1,583 | $9 |
Highest paying cafeteria monitor jobs
The highest paying types of cafeteria monitors are dining room coordinator, dining room hostess, and monitor.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Boy | $24,432 | $2,036 | $11.75 | 17,550 |
| Dining Room Server | $29,540 | $2,462 | $14.20 | 99,079 |
| Busser | $24,111 | $2,009 | $11.59 | 14,989 |
| Bar Back | $25,316 | $2,110 | $12.17 | 56,369 |
| Room Service Server | $26,717 | $2,226 | $12.84 | 144,551 |
| Bus Person | $24,058 | $2,005 | $11.57 | 47,277 |
Top companies hiring cafeteria monitors now:
Which companies pay cafeteria monitors the most?
Cafeteria monitor salaries at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES and Stratford Board Of Education are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average cafeteria monitor salary at companies like Salida Union School District and Westview High School are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES | $33,041 | $15.89 |
| 2 | Stratford Board Of Education | $31,312 | $15.05 |
| 3 | Salida Union School District | $30,396 | $14.61 |
| 4 | Westview High School | $29,792 | $14.32 |
| 5 | Cleveland High School | $27,561 | $13.25 |
| 6 | KIPP DC | $27,126 | $13.04 |
| 7 | Elior North America | $26,802 | $12.89 |
| 8 | KIPP Austin Public Schools | $26,428 | $12.71 |
| 9 | Lodi Unified School District | $26,397 | $12.69 |
| 10 | NYOS Charter School | $25,895 | $12.45 |
| 11 | Harrisburg School District | $25,065 | $12.05 |
| 12 | Duluth Public Schools | $23,487 | $11.29 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Cafeteria monitor salary trends
The average cafeteria monitor salary has risen by $8,675 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average cafeteria monitor earned $24,248 annually, but today, they earn $32,923 a year. That works out to a 24% change in pay for cafeteria monitors over the last decade.
Compare cafeteria monitor salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average cafeteria monitor salary over time
Compare cafeteria monitor salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Cafeteria monitor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,900 | $15.83 | +6.2% |
| 2024 | $30,900 | $14.85 | +5.1% |
| 2023 | $29,300 | $14.09 | +5.0% |
| 2022 | $27,900 | $13.39 | +4.5% |
| 2021 | $26,600 | $12.78 | +4.6% |
Recently added cafeteria monitor salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School | Cafeteria Monitor AM PM) M-F | Upton, MA | 06/29/2025 | $45,705 |
| Virginia Beach Public School | Cafeteria Monitor | Virginia Beach, VA | 06/28/2025 | $27,820 |
| Affton 101 School District | Playground/Cafeteria Monitors | Affton, MO | 06/24/2025 | $33,267 |
| Atlanta Public Schools | Hourly Cafeteria Monitor | Nunez, GA | 06/12/2025 | $35,542 |
| Tes Staffing | Cafeteria Monitor | Rochester, NY | 06/08/2025 | $32,349 |
| Franklin Township Community School Corporation | Cafeteria Monitor | Hope, IN | 05/24/2025 | $25,044 |
| McMinn County School District | Cafeteria Monitor | Toone, TN | 05/23/2025 | $25,336 |
| Mesquite ISD | Cafeteria Monitor (Pirrung) | Nome, TX | 05/20/2025 | $32,349 |
| Hampton City Schools | Cafeteria Monitor (DAY) | Enon, VA | 05/16/2025 | $29,218 |
| Virginia Beach Public School | Cafeteria Monitor | Virginia Beach, VA | 05/16/2025 | $27,820 |
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