Cooks, institution and cafeteria

Pay

Getting in

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

Prior experience

None

Calculate your switch to cooks, institution and cafeteria

What the work is like

Core tasks

• 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.
• Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
• Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.
• Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.

Also called: Cafeteria Cook · Cook · Dietary Cook · Dinner Cook · Food Service Specialist · Food Service Worker · Prep Cook (Preparatory Cook) · School Cook

Outlook and AI

Cooks, institution and cafeteria held 454,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 466,600 by 2035 (+3%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).

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