As of June 2026, Cooks, Restaurant has an AI-exposure score of 42/100 (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.
Cooks, Restaurant
More exposed than 14% 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.
How you compare to similar Food Service roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as durable (70%).
- Keep records and accounts.
- Estimate expected food consumption, requisition or purchase supplies, or procure food from storage.
- Plan and price menu items.
- Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
- Butcher and dress animals, fowl, or shellfish, or cut and bone meat prior to cooking.
- Carve and trim meats such as beef, veal, ham, pork, and lamb for hot or cold service, or for sandwiches.
- Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to waiters or patrons.
- Bake, roast, broil, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
- Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.
- Prepare relishes and hors d'oeuvres.
- Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.
- Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
- Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
- Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.
- Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.
- Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
- Bake breads, rolls, cakes, and pastries.
- Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment, work surfaces, and serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.
- Consult with supervisory staff to plan menus, taking into consideration factors such as costs and special event needs.
- Coordinate and supervise work of kitchen staff.
Safer adjacent roles
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Cooks, Restaurant — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)
Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$37,390. More states are being added.