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Hospitality, Travel, & FoodDeclining

Cook, Short Order

Operational-level

Also known as: Barbecue Cook, Bed and Breakfast Cook (B&B Cook), Breakfast Cook, Breakfast Line Cook

Hospitality, Travel, & FoodBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Short Order Cook, you prepare and cook a variety of meals that can be made quickly, like burgers, eggs, or sandwiches. You often work in a fast-paced kitchen, standing for long periods, and might take orders directly from customers at a counter or table. You'll need good listening and speaking skills to understand orders, critical thinking to manage multiple dishes, and quick hands. It's an indoor job, but you should be ready for minor burns or cuts. This role suits someone who enjoys cooking on demand and interacting with people.
Short Order CookingCulinary ArtsFood PreparationRestaurant OperationsHospitalityCustomer ServiceFood & BeverageNutrition

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-5.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

17,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

138,700

in 2025 → 131,500 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
Moderate
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The job outlook for Short Order Cooks is projected to decline by 5.2% through 2035. However, there will still be about 17,400 job openings each year, mainly due to people moving into other roles or leaving the workforce. The median annual wage is around $35,880. Many cooks start with a high school diploma and learn on the job.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Kitchen Helper
  • Dishwasher
  • Counter Server

Where it can lead

  • Line Cook
  • Sous Chef
  • Kitchen Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI and automation may streamline order taking and inventory management for short order cooks, potentially reducing some administrative tasks. While cooking itself still requires human skill, advanced kitchen robotics could assist with repetitive prep work or even some simple cooking processes in the next 5-10 years, allowing cooks to focus more on quality and customer interaction.

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Salary

$35,880

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

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