How to become cooks, institution and cafeteriaeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Food Service Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$37,450

25th–75th pct. $32,440–$44,800

Top pay (est.)

$64,600

Top 10% $49,670

Pay in 5 years

$43,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$50,900est.

$43,800–$59,100

Outlook score

51/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

27%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.8%

63K openings / yr

How to become cooks, institution and cafeteria

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Key skills

Coordination

3.1

Active Listening

3.0

Monitoring

3.0

Management of Personnel Resources

3.0

Time Management

3.0

Service Orientation

3.0

Complex Problem Solving

2.9

Social Perceptiveness

2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

3.7

Food Production

3.7

Administration and Management

3.3

Education and Training

3.2

Mathematics

3.0

Production and Processing

3.0

English Language

3.0

Public Safety and Security

2.7

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersAssisting and Caring for Others

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingNear VisionTime Sharing

Education of workers

High school diploma

71%

Post-secondary certificate

14%

Bachelor's degree

Some college

Less than high school

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

69%

1–3 months

12%

None / short demo

10%

3–6 months

6–12 months

1–2 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

26%

Up to 1 month

23%

None

21%

2–4 years

10%

1–3 months

6–12 months

3–6 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as cooks, institution and cafeteria

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Fast Food and Counter Workers Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages.	$31,200	57/100	30%
2	Waiters and Waitresses Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.	$35,230	50/100	18%
3	Cooks, Restaurant Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants.	$37,390	65/100	19%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.	$44,080	60/100	30%
5	Food Preparation Workers Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.	$35,320	42/100	30%
6	Bartenders Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.	$34,340	58/100	20%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.