Food Service Worker Salary in Newark, NJ (2026)

Updated 45 days ago · 61 observed active listings

Entering the food service industry in Newark, NJ, you can expect an entry-level salary of around $20,000, reflecting the abundance of available positions and the relatively low barriers to entry in this field. The concentration of employers like University Hospital and Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center indicates a steady demand for food service roles, while the high cost of living in the region pressures employers to offer competitive wages over time. As you gain experience, typical salaries can increase significantly to the $40,000 range within 2-3 years, indicating opportunities for advancement as skills become more valued.

Salary Distribution

Key Insights

• The narrow salary distribution at the lower end, with 477 positions at $20,000, indicates that many entry-level roles are filled with little variation, suggesting high supply of workers at this level.
• The significant gap between the 25th percentile ($20,000) and the 75th percentile ($40,000) illustrates that while many roles pay on the lower end, there are opportunities for those who develop specialized skills or gain experience to move into higher-paying positions.
• The presence of large employers such as Aramark and Veterans Canteen Service suggests a stable demand for food service workers, which supports job security and potential salary growth in the region.
• The full range of salaries, up to $140,000, although not common, indicates that specialized roles or managerial positions within food service can command significantly higher compensation, driven by the scarcity of experienced professionals in those areas.
• The relatively low number of open positions (61) compared to the overall labor pool suggests that competition may be limited for seasoned workers, potentially raising salaries for those with experience and strong skills.

Current Food Service Worker Jobs in Newark

• Cashier/Food Service Worker - Turtleback Zoo F&B
  Aramark · Town, Essex County
  $61,350 – $61,350
• Food Service Worker, Sanitation
  University Hospital · Roseville, Essex County
  $60,992 – $60,992
• Food Service Worker, Sanitation
  University Hospital · Roseville, Essex County
  $58,580 – $58,580
• Food Services Worker
  Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center · Midtown, Essex County
  $57,242 – $57,242
• Food Service Worker, Delivery
  University Hospital · Roseville, Essex County
  $56,596 – $56,596
• Food Service Worker
  The Johnny Rockets Group · Elizabeth, Union County
  $53,491 – $53,491
• Food Service Worker
  Veterans Canteen Service · Va Hospital, Essex County
  $52,782 – $52,782
• Food Service Worker - Retail Services
  University Hospital · Roseville, Essex County
  $51,954 – $51,954
• Food Services Worker
  Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center · Upper Montclair, Essex County
  $47,754 – $47,754
• Food Service Worker - Retail Services - Part Time
  University Hospital · Roseville, Essex County
  $47,628 – $47,628

Frequently Asked Questions

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