SOC 35-1011
Chefs and Head Cooks
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ39/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ182,320
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$61K
$36K โ $96K
Projected Growth
๐+7.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค67/100
High exposure
๐ก Chefs and Head Cooks face a risk score of 39/100 โ 5 points below the national average of 44. With 67/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $61K ($15K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 39/100, Chefs and Head Cooks faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai inventory management and waste reduction are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 182,320 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in hospitality and personalized guest experiences and food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Chefs and Head Cooks?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI inventory management and waste reduction
Self-ordering kiosks and mobile app displacement
AI summarization replacing manual report compilation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Hospitality and personalized guest experiences
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
Adapting to real-time dietary and allergy requests
Creative menu development and flavor innovation
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.
Check the quantity and quality of received products.
Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
๐ป Technology Skills
Time accounting software
Analytical or scientific software
Data base user interface and query software
Financial analysis software
Electronic mail software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Food Production
Customer and Personal Service
Production and Processing
Administration and Management
Personnel and Human Resources
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 51% |
| Education Administrators, All Other | 21 | $89K | 61% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 23 | $168K | 57% |