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.

AI Exposure Score for

Cooks, Restaurant

42/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

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.

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How you compare to similar Food Service roles

Cooks, Restaurant (you)
42
Cooks, Short Order
43
Waiters and Waitresses
41
Bartenders
41
Food Preparation Workers
41
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
43
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Your 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.
  • 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.
Durable
  • 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

Cooks, Short Order
80% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$35,880
43
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
72% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$37,450
43
Food Preparation Workers
64% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$35,320
41
Chefs and Head Cooks
56% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$62,470
54
Bakers
48% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$37,160
48
Cooks, Fast Food
40% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$30,890
38
Cooks, Private Household
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$47,940
41
Butchers and Meat Cutters
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$40,140
45

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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.

More Food Service roles

Chefs and Head Cooks First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Cooks, Fast Food Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Cooks, Private Household Cooks, Short Order