Cooks, Fast Food
Human Advantage 60%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.3 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
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.
Also Known As: Cook, Deep Fat Fryer Operator, Fast Food Cook, Fast Food Fry Cook, Fast Food Worker, Food Service Cook, Fry Cook, Fryer +17 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
- Cook and package batches of food, such as hamburgers or fried chicken, prepared to order or kept warm until sold.
- Prepare dough, following recipe.
- Take food and drink orders and receive payment from customers.
- Verify that prepared food meets requirements for quality and quantity.
- Pre-cook items, such as bacon, to prepare them for later use.
- Measure ingredients required for specific food items.
- Mix ingredients, such as pancake or waffle batters.
- Schedule activities and equipment use with managers, using information about daily menus to help coordinate cooking times.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
- Take out garbage.
Education & Training
Job Zone 1 Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed
Education: Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Experience: Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (8)
Tools & Equipment (27)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Culinary & Food Services Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
Zone 1
Cooks, Fast Food You are here
Zone 3
Chefs and Head Cooks 76% match
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