As of July 2026, Cooks, Restaurant has an AI-exposure score of 42/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Score inputs for this role: This role starts from O*NET 29.1 occupational descriptors and is empirically grounded by Penn/OpenAI GPTs are GPTs study, Anthropic Economic Index (June 26, 2026), Felten, Raj and Seamans AIOE index. BLS labor-market figures are separate context, not score inputs.

AI Exposure Score for

Cooks, Restaurant

42/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 13% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$37,390. About 250,700 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, Restaurant (this role)
42
Cooks, Short Order
43
Waiters and Waitresses
41
Bartenders
41
Food Preparation Workers
41
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
43
See all roles by exposure →
Data sources, not endorsements: O*NET and curated role data; empirical AI signals where matched; BLS employment, pay, and demand as separate context.Methodology Data sources
Role snapshot

What this role usually involves

O*NET 29.1 exact occupation

Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

Common titles
CookGrill CookLine CookPrep Cook (Preparation Cook)Appetizer PreparerBack Line Cook
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
MonitoringCoordinationCritical ThinkingSpeakingTime ManagementFood Production
Tools and technology
FacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordFood safety labeling systems
Work context
Face-to-face discussionsFrequent contact with othersIndoor controlled settingDecision latitudeExternal customers

Source: O*NET 29.1 exact occupation - Cooks, Restaurant, SOC 35-2014.00. Context describes the role; the AI-exposure score remains a separate task-exposure estimate.

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Cooks, Restaurant tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable

No automatable tasks identified for this role - its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as durable (70%).

Augmentable
  • Keep records and accounts.
  • Estimate expected food consumption, requisition or purchase supplies, or procure food from storage.
4 more augmentable tasks locked in the report.
Durable
  • Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
  • Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
12 more durable tasks locked in the report.

We analyzed all 20 Cooks, Restaurant tasks - 6 augmentable and 14 durable. The full task map - every task with exactly what to do about each - is in your Career Report.

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Full task map

Every task scored with what to automate, augment, or protect.

Adjacent path comparison

Related roles with exposure deltas, salary, demand, and reachability. Lower-exposure options appear only when the data supports them.

30/60/90 plan + PDF

A keepable roadmap plus resume and LinkedIn repositioning.

Grounded in O*NET-linked or curated role data, with Penn, Anthropic Economic Index, and AIOE signals where matched. BLS labor-market context is separate - not generic advice.

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Adjacent career paths

This role is already among lower-exposure work. The adjacent paths below are shown for opportunity and skill transfer, not as lower-exposure alternatives.

Cooks, Short Order
80% skills overlap; 1 point higher - similar exposure within the 5-point model resolution; Moderate band; ~US$35,880
View path
43
7 more adjacent paths with exposure deltas, salary, demand, and reachability in your Career Report.
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Your AI-Safe Career Report

Every task scored with what to do about it; adjacent paths with honest exposure deltas, salary, demand, and reachability; a skill-gap map; a 30/60/90-day roadmap; Agent Reality Check; plus a résumé and LinkedIn rewrite and professional PDF.
Grounded in O*NET-linked or curated role data, with Penn, Anthropic Economic Index, and AIOE signals where matched. BLS labor-market context is separate.

Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium - adapting pays. - PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026

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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, Restaurant - median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)

California: US$44,880New York: US$43,680Texas: US$34,760

Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$37,390. More states are being added.

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