How to become cooks, restauranteducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Food Service Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$37,390

25th–75th pct. $34,010–$44,620

Top pay (est.)

$62,300

Top 10% $47,900

Pay in 5 years

$44,400est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$52,700est.

$45,400–$61,200

Outlook score

65/100

★★★☆☆ Good

AI replacement risk

19%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+12.1%

219K openings / yr

How to become cooks, restaurant

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

Moderate-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, Restaurant

Key skills

Critical Thinking

3.1

Monitoring

3.1

Time Management

3.0

Active Learning

2.8

Speaking

2.8

Active Listening

2.8

Social Perceptiveness

2.6

Coordination

2.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Food Production

3.0

English Language

2.8

Customer and Personal Service

2.8

Education and Training

2.1

Production and Processing

1.8

Administration and Management

1.7

Mathematics

1.4

Chemistry

1.2

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesControlling Machines and ProcessesMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Near VisionManual DexterityOral ExpressionTime SharingTrunk StrengthFinger Dexterity

Education of workers

High school diploma

47%

Less than high school

34%

Associate's degree

12%

Some college

Training before entry

None / short demo

46%

Up to 1 month

28%

1–3 months

24%

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

37%

6–12 months

26%

3–6 months

18%

1–2 years

2–4 years

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, restaurant

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	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%
4	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%
5	Bartenders Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.	$34,340	58/100	20%
6	Cooks, Fast Food Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu.	$30,890	41/100	35%

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.