Cooks, Short Order
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.
Median pay: $35,880/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: -5.6% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 20,600 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.
• Clean food preparation equipment, work areas, and counters or tables.
• Restock kitchen supplies, rotate food, and stamp the time and date on food in coolers.
• Complete orders from steam tables, placing food on plates and serving customers at tables or counters.
• Plan work on orders so that items served together are finished at the same time.
• Grill, cook, and fry foods such as french fries, eggs, and pancakes.
• Perform food preparation tasks, such as making sandwiches, carving meats, making soups or salads, baking breads or desserts, and brewing coffee or tea.
• Perform general cleaning activities in kitchen and dining areas.
• Take orders from customers and cook foods requiring short preparation times, according to customer requirements.
What's the median pay for Cooks, Short Order?
The median pay for Cooks, Short Order is $35,880 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Cooks, Short Order?
Employment for Cooks, Short Order is projected to change -5.6% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Cooks, Short Order?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Cooks, Short Order?
About 20,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.