Cooks, Short Order
Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Cooks, Short Order to decrease by -5.2% between 2024 and 2034, from 138,700 to 131,500 jobs. Its estimate of 17,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($35,880), education (No formal educational credential), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
138,700
Projected employment (2034)
131,500
Projected change (2024–2034)
-5%
Annual openings (projected average)
17,400
Pay & Preparation
$35,880
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Active Listening (3.12/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.12/5) • Time Management (3.12/5) • Speaking (3/5) • Service Orientation (3/5) • Coordination (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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