What Cafeteria Cooks DoPrepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
- Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
- Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
- Rotate and store food supplies.
- Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
- Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
Cafeteria Cooks Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationNone
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time6 months to 1 year
Job Openings69,700 Annually
Median Earnings
$45,680 in California
$36,450 Nationally
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Real Talk Reel
We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.
@akajusteese
@hayitscourt
Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Using data or completing tasks
- Working with my hands
you value
- Having support
- Having freedom
- Personal relationships
you are skilled in
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Time Management
- Monitoring
Go Deeper: Cafeteria Cooks Explained
Cafeteria CookExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.
🎓 Paid Work
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
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