As of June 2026, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria has an AI-exposure score of 43/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

43/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 15% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$37,450. About 69,700 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Food Service roles

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria (you)
43
Cooks, Short Order
43
Cooks, Restaurant
42
Food Preparation Workers
41
Waiters and Waitresses
41
Bartenders
41
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Compile and maintain records of food use and expenditures.
Augmentable
  • Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
  • Determine meal prices, based on calculations of ingredient prices.
  • Requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment, and appliances, based on estimates of future needs.
  • Monitor menus and spending to ensure that meals are prepared economically.
  • Monitor use of government food commodities to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
  • Train new employees.
  • Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.
  • Plan menus that are varied, nutritionally balanced, and appetizing, taking advantage of foods in season and local availability.
Durable
  • Take inventory of supplies and equipment.
  • Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.
  • Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
  • Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
  • Rotate and store food supplies.
  • Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
  • Bake breads, rolls, or other pastries.
  • Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.

Safer adjacent roles

YOUR ROLE TODAY
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 43
→
Cooks, Restaurant 80% overlap42Cooks, Short Order 72% overlap43Food Preparation Workers 64% overlap41
Cooks, Restaurant
80% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$37,390
42
Cooks, Short Order
72% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$35,880
43
Food Preparation Workers
64% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$35,320
41
Cooks, Private Household
56% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$47,940
41
Chefs and Head Cooks
48% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$62,470
54
Cooks, Fast Food
40% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$30,890
38
Food Service Managers
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$69,390
60
Bakers
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$37,160
48

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.

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Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)

California: US$46,390New York: US$45,880Texas: US$35,360

Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$37,450. More states are being added.

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Chefs and Head Cooks First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Cooks, Fast Food Cooks, Private Household Cooks, Restaurant Cooks, Short Order
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