Explore safer careers (4)
Lower estimated automation risk
Why it fits
Reuses kitchen workflow knowledge, service timing, sanitation checks, shift coordination, and staff coaching.
Why it fits
Experienced cooks can build on menu execution, prep planning, station control, ordering, and kitchen leadership.
Why it fits
Builds on kitchen operations, inventory, scheduling, customer service, food safety, and cost awareness.
Why it fits
Reuses cooking, portioning, food safety, batch prep, equipment use, and service timing in a steadier setting.
Occupation snapshot
What does this snowflake show?
What's this?
We rate jobs using four factors. These are:
- Chance of being automated
- Job growth
- Wages
- Volume of available positions
These are some key things to think about when job hunting.
Risk & user votes
Calculated automation risk
High Risk (61-80%): This occupation shows a significant risk of end-to-end replacement by automation. Many core parts of the role may be structured, repeatable, software-driven, or physically predictable enough for AI, machines, or robotic systems to take over. If you work in this area, it may be worth exploring safer related careers or moving towards more human-centred responsibilities.
More information on what this score is, and how it is calculated is available here.
Human strengths important in this job
These are human abilities and work contexts that are important in this occupation. They may help explain why parts of the role are harder to replace end-to-end, but they are not the only inputs into the automation score.
What users think
Based on 141 votes
Our visitors have voted they are unsure if this occupation will be automated. However, the automation risk level we have generated suggests a much higher chance of automation: 67% chance of automation.
What do you think the risk of automation is?
What is the likelihood that Cooks, Short Order will be replaced by robots or artificial intelligence within the next 20 years?
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Pay & outlook
Wages
In 2024, the median annual wage for Cooks, Short Order was $35,620 ($17 per hour).
The median annual wage for Cooks, Short Order was 28.0% lower than the national median annual wage, which stood at $49,500.
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Wages over time
Growth
The number of 'Cooks, Short Order' job openings is expected to decline 5.6% by 2034
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Total employment, and estimated job openings
Updated projections are due 09-2025.
Volume
As of 2024 there were 150,420 people employed as 'Cooks, Short Order' within the United States.
This represents around 0.10% of the employed workforce across the country
Put another way, around 1 in 1 thousand people are employed as 'Cooks, Short Order'.
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Job description
Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.
O*NET-SOC code: 35-2015.00
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