As of June 2026, Chefs and Head Cooks has an AI-exposure score of 54/100 (Elevated 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

Chefs and Head Cooks

54/100
Elevated exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 44% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$62,470. About 24,400 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

Chefs and Head Cooks (this role)
54
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
56
Fast Food and Counter Workers
48
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
47
Baristas
47
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
47
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

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Common titles
ChefCookExecutive Chef (Ex Chef)Sous ChefBanquet ChefCertified Executive Chef (CEC)
Typical preparation
Medium Preparation Needed: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training,...
Skills and knowledge
CoordinationMonitoringSpeakingTime ManagementCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision Making
Tools and technology
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordFacebookGoogle SheetsMicrosoft Office software
Work context
Email useTelephoneFace-to-face discussionsFrequent contact with othersIndoor controlled setting

Source: O*NET 29.1 exact occupation - Chefs and Head Cooks, SOC 35-1011.00. Context describes the role; the AI-exposure score remains a separate task-exposure estimate.

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Chefs and Head Cooks tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Record production or operational data on specified forms.
Action steps for this automatable task locked in the report.
Augmentable
  • Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
  • Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.
15 more augmentable tasks locked in the report.
Durable
  • Collaborate with other personnel to plan and develop recipes or menus, taking into account such factors as seasonal availability of ingredients or the likely number of customers.
  • Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
Action steps for this durable task locked in the report.

We analyzed all 20 Chefs and Head Cooks tasks — 1 automatable, 17 augmentable and 2 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.
AI-augmentation kit (prompt preview) You are my AI copilot for "Record production or operational data on specified forms.". I'll paste the inputs; draft the first version and flag exactly what needs my judgment, then iterate until…
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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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Chefs and Head Cooks — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)

New York: US$70,670California: US$64,500Texas: US$56,080

Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$62,470. More states are being added.

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