Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Restaurant Cook is a culinary professional responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes in a restaurant setting. They work to ensure that meals are made to the establishment's standard and customer satisfaction.
Education: No formal educational credential
Years in related career: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Projected Growth: 20.4% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 250,700
Direct AI exposure: 8% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 16% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $37K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $29K per year | $34K per year | $37K per year | $45K per year | $48K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $14K below the national average. | ||||
Restaurant Cooks typically work in the kitchens of full-service restaurants, fast-food establishments, or other dining venues. The environment is fast-paced, often hot, and can be high-pressure, especially during peak dining times. Cooks work alongside other kitchen staff, under the supervision of a head chef or kitchen manager.
The role of a Restaurant Cook is both challenging and rewarding, requiring a blend of culinary skills, time management, and teamwork. Cooks need to have a thorough understanding of cooking methods, ingredients, and kitchen equipment. Creativity is also important, as cooks often contribute to the development of new dishes and menu items. Being able to work efficiently and maintain composure under pressure is crucial, especially during busy meal services.
A career as a Restaurant Cook offers the opportunity to develop a diverse set of culinary skills and can be a stepping stone to more advanced positions in the culinary world, such as sous chef or head chef. The work environment fosters teamwork and camaraderie, as cooks work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver high-quality food. Continuous learning is a significant part of this career, with cooks regularly updating their skills and knowledge to keep up with culinary trends and dietary preferences.
However, the occupation can be physically demanding, with long hours spent standing, lifting, and working in a hot kitchen. The hours can be irregular, with weekend, evening, and holiday work common. Despite these challenges, many find great satisfaction in seeing the immediate results of their work and receiving positive feedback from customers.
While formal education is not always required, many Restaurant Cooks have a high school diploma along with culinary training from a vocational school, community college, or culinary school. This training can range from a few months to 2 years. On-the-job training is also common in this field.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
