What Short Order Cooks DoPrepare 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.
- Clean food preparation equipment, work areas, and counters or tables.
- Perform food preparation tasks, such as making sandwiches, carving meats, making soups or salads, baking breads or desserts, and brewing coffee or tea.
- Perform general cleaning activities in kitchen and dining areas.
- Restock kitchen supplies, rotate food, and stamp the time and date on food in coolers.
- Grill, cook, and fry foods such as french fries, eggs, and pancakes.
Short Order 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 ProspectsShaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)
Training Time6 months to 1 year
Job Openings20,600 Annually
Median Earnings
$39,010 in California
$35,620 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.
@woocancook
@unclegussys
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
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
Go Deeper: Short Order Cooks Explained
Short Order 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.
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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