SOC 35-2021
Food Preparation Workers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ57/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ888,770
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$34K
$23K โ $44K
Projected Growth
๐-3.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค19/100
Low exposure
๐ก Food Preparation Workers face a risk score of 57/100 โ 13 points above the national average of 44. With only 19/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $34K. 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 57/100, Food Preparation 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 888,770 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in managing chaotic high-volume service environments and food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Food Preparation 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
Self-ordering kiosks and mobile app displacement
Automated food preparation and cooking robotics
Robotic food delivery within establishments
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Managing chaotic high-volume service environments
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
Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
๐ป Technology Skills
Data base user interface and query software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Computer based training software
Video creation and editing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Food Production
Production and Processing
English Language
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 | 57% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 52% |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 27 | $37K | 65% |