As of June 2026, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria has an AI-exposure score of 43/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

43/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 15% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$37,450. About 69,700 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How this role compares to similar Food Service roles

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria (this role)
43
Cooks, Short Order
43
Cooks, Restaurant
42
Food Preparation Workers
41
Waiters and Waitresses
41
Bartenders
41
See all roles by exposure →
Data sources, not endorsements: O*NET task data, BLS employment/pay/demand, and Anthropic Economic Index signals.Methodology Data sources
Role snapshot

What this role usually involves

O*NET 29.1 exact occupation

Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.

Common titles
Cafeteria CookCookDietary CookSchool CookDinner CookFood Service Specialist
O*NET job-zone preparation
Job Zone 2 · Some Preparation Needed These occupations usually require a high school diploma. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Broad guidance for this preparation level; exact requirements vary by role and employer.

Skills and knowledge
Judgment and Decision MakingMonitoringService OrientationSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingCoordination
Tools and technology
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft WordGNOME GnutritionIBM Lotus 1-2-3Meals PlusPCS Revenue Control Systems FASTRAK School Meal Software
Work context
Face-to-face discussionsFrequent contact with othersIndoor controlled settingDecision latitudeConsequence of error

Source: O*NET 29.1 exact occupation - Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, SOC 35-2012.00. Context describes the role; the AI-exposure score remains a separate task-exposure estimate.

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Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Compile and maintain records of food use and expenditures.
Augmentable
  • Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
  • Determine meal prices, based on calculations of ingredient prices.
6 more augmentable tasks locked in the report.
Durable
  • Take inventory of supplies and equipment.
  • Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
6 more durable tasks locked in the report.

We analyzed all 17 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria tasks — 1 automatable, 8 augmentable and 8 durable. The full task map — every task with exactly what to do about each — is in your Career Report.

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5-10 adjacent roles with salary, demand, and reachability.

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Safer adjacent roles

Cooks, Restaurant
80% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$37,390
42
7 more safer roles with salary, demand & a reachability map — in your Career Report.
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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.

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Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)

California: US$46,390New York: US$45,880Texas: US$35,360

Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$37,450. More states are being added.

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