SOC 35-3023
Fast Food and Counter Workers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ64/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ3,780,930
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$30K
$23K โ $39K
Projected Growth
๐+6.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค46/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Fast Food and Counter Workers face a risk score of 64/100 โ 20 points above the national average of 44. With only 46/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $30K. 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 64/100, Fast Food and Counter Workers 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 3,780,930 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill and hospitality and personalized guest experiences to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Fast Food and Counter Workers?
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
Automated food preparation and cooking robotics
Automated dishwashing and kitchen cleaning systems
Robotic food delivery within establishments
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
Hospitality and personalized guest experiences
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
Communicate with customers regarding orders, comments, and complaints.
Scrub and polish counters, steam tables, and other equipment, and clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.
Accept payment from customers, and make change as necessary.
Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.
Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.
๐ป Technology Skills
Point of sale POS software
Web platform development software
Web page creation and editing software
Data base user interface and query software
Spreadsheet software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Food Production
Public Safety and Security
English Language
Sales and Marketing
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 | 51% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 66% |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 27 | $37K | 59% |