Cooks, fast food
SOC Code: 35-2011Also known as:
Cook, Deep Fat Fryer Operator, Fast Food Cook, Fast Food Fry Cook, Fast Food Worker
Median Annual Salary
$30,160
-13.5% growth (2024-2034)
82K
Openings/Year
670K
Current Jobs
What Cooks, fast food Do
Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single-purpose cooking equipment.
💰 Salary
$30,160
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-13.5%
Decline
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
82K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
669,500
Projected Employment (2034)
579,200
Related Careers
Cooks, institution and cafeteria
$36,450 •
+2.0% growth
Cooks, restaurant
$36,830 •
+14.9% growth
Cooks, short order
$35,620 •
-5.6% growth
Food preparation workers
$34,220 •
-3.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Service Orientation
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Order and take delivery of supplies.
- Cook the exact number of items ordered by each customer, working on several different orders simultaneously.
- Prepare specialty foods, such as pizzas, fish and chips, sandwiches, or tacos, following specific methods that usually require short preparation time.
- Operate large-volume cooking equipment, such as grills, deep-fat fryers, or griddles.
- Wash, cut, and prepare foods designated for cooking.
- Prepare and serve beverages, such as coffee or fountain drinks.
- Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils.
- Read food order slips or receive verbal instructions as to food required by patron, and prepare and cook food according to instructions.
- Serve orders to customers at windows, counters, or tables.
- Clean, stock, and restock workstations and display cases.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cooks, fast food make?
The median annual salary for cooks, fast food is $30,160.
What education do cooks, fast food need?
Most cooks, fast food positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming a cooks, fast food a good career choice?
Cooks, fast food is projected to see -13.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 82,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for cooks, fast food?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to cooks, fast food?
Cooks, fast food may also be known as: Cook, Deep Fat Fryer Operator, Fast Food Cook, Fast Food Fry Cook, Fast Food Worker, Food Service Cook, Fry Cook, Fryer, Fryline Attendant, Grill Cook, Grill Line Cook, Hotel and Restaurant Baker, Kitchen Team Member, Line Cook, Pancake Professional, Pizza Baker, Pizza Chef, Pizza Cook, Pizza Maker, Prep Cook (Preparatory Cook).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.