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Cook

Also called: Banquet Cook, Grill Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook (Preparation Cook)

Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Food & hospitality
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Median pay
$30,890/yr
Typical range
$22,580 – $42,910
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does a Cook do?

  • Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment, work surfaces, and serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.
  • Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to waiters or patrons.

How to become a Cook

Training: A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvementsTalking to othersNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Is it a fit for you?

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Stress Tolerance

Tools and technology

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookPoint of sale POS restaurant software

Questions people ask

How much does a Cook make?

About $30,890 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $22,580 and $42,910. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Cook?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Do you need a college degree to be a Cook?

No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma.

Is Cook a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

Food Preparation Worker$35,320 a yearBarista$31,200 a yearBartender$34,340 a yearChef & Head Cook$62,470 a yearDining Room & Cafeteria Attendant & Bartender Helper$33,980 a yearFast Food & Counter Worker$31,200 a year

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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