SOC 35-2012
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ59/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ448,260
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$36K
$27K โ $48K
Projected Growth
๐+2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค38/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria face a risk score of 59/100 โ 15 points above the national average of 44. With only 38/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $36K. 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 59/100, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated food preparation and cooking robotics are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 448,260 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in creative menu development and flavor innovation and food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated food preparation and cooking robotics
Self-ordering kiosks and mobile app displacement
Robotic food delivery within establishments
AI inventory management and waste reduction
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Creative menu development and flavor innovation
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
Managing chaotic high-volume service environments
Adapting to real-time dietary and allergy requests
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 and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
Rotate and store food supplies.
Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
๐ป Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software
Spreadsheet software
Data base user interface and query software
Word processing software
Point of sale POS software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
English Language
Food Production
Customer and Personal Service
Mathematics
Administration and Management
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Administrators, All Other | 21 | $89K | 61% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 56% |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 27 | $37K | 69% |