Cooks, Fast Food
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single-purpose cooking equipment.
Median pay: $30,890/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -13.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 82,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Order and take delivery of supplies.
• Cook the exact number of items ordered by each customer, working on several different orders simultaneously.
• Prepare specialty foods, such as pizzas, fish and chips, sandwiches, or tacos, following specific methods that usually require short preparation time.
• Operate large-volume cooking equipment, such as grills, deep-fat fryers, or griddles.
• Wash, cut, and prepare foods designated for cooking.
• Prepare and serve beverages, such as coffee or fountain drinks.
• Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils.
• Read food order slips or receive verbal instructions as to food required by patron, and prepare and cook food according to instructions.
What's the median pay for Cooks, Fast Food?
The median pay for Cooks, Fast Food is $30,890 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Cooks, Fast Food?
Employment for Cooks, Fast Food is projected to change -13.5% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Cooks, Fast Food?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Cooks, Fast Food?
About 82,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.