Occupation · SOC 35-2019
Cooks, All Other
All cooks not listed separately.
Median wage
$36,210
$26,430–$49,600
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
23,590
Job Zone —
Core skills
Active ListeningService OrientationSpeakingCoordinationMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingTime Management
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageFood ProductionAdministration and ManagementSales and Marketing
Technology & tools
Web page creation and editing softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation software
Representative tasks
Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic food safety rules — recognize and apply under direct supervision in a commercial kitchen setting.Sanitation checklists — follow and complete according to established standards during a supervised kitchen shift.Simple food preparation tasks — perform using standardized recipes under the guidance of a lead cook.Kitchen tools and equipment — identify and use safely following posted protocols in a food service environment.Food garnishing and plating basics — observe and replicate under instruction from a senior cook on the line.Ingredient storage and labeling requirements — apply correctly with supervisor oversight in a prep kitchen.Supply shortages or low-stock items — report promptly to a supervisor to support efficient kitchen operations.Verbal instructions from lead staff — listen actively and confirm understanding before beginning assigned food prep tasks.Basic portion control measurements — execute using standard tools under direct oversight in a production kitchen.Team member requests and directives — respond cooperatively and adapt behavior to maintain kitchen workflow.
developing
Sanitation standards and health regulations — monitor employee compliance during routine kitchen operations with limited supervision.New kitchen staff — guide through basic food preparation, cooking techniques, and plating expectations on the job.Food preparation workflows — coordinate among assigned cooks to maintain consistent output during moderate-volume service periods.Daily supply requisitions — compile and submit accurately to support uninterrupted kitchen production.Recipe adaptations for volume or dietary needs — implement confidently using prior experience in a mid-scale food service operation.Time-sensitive prep schedules — manage personal and team tasks to meet service deadlines in a fast-paced kitchen.Food quality and presentation issues — identify and correct during service without escalating to a supervisor.Spreadsheet software — use to track food inventory levels and flag reorder needs in a kitchen office environment.Verbal communication with front-of-house staff — coordinate clearly to align kitchen output with guest service expectations.Critical temperature and cross-contamination risks — recognize and address proactively during food handling in a commercial kitchen.
proficient
Sanitation audits and corrective actions — conduct independently across all kitchen stations to ensure full regulatory compliance.Comprehensive cook training sessions — design and deliver covering preparation, cooking methods, garnishing, and professional presentation standards.Full kitchen crew activities — supervise and coordinate autonomously across prep, line, and finishing stations during high-volume service.Food and supply ordering systems — manage end-to-end, balancing cost controls and operational needs for a busy food service establishment.Non-routine food production challenges — troubleshoot and resolve using critical thinking and deep knowledge of food production processes.Kitchen performance data — analyze using spreadsheet and office suite software to identify inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement.Menu development input — contribute based on production capability, ingredient availability, and customer service considerations.Cross-functional staff conflicts or workflow breakdowns — mediate and resolve to restore cooperation and maintain kitchen standards.Health inspection readiness — maintain across the entire kitchen operation through consistent monitoring and staff accountability.Emerging food trends and techniques — evaluate and integrate into existing kitchen programs to enhance quality and guest satisfaction.
advanced
Kitchen-wide sanitation and food safety culture — establish and sustain through policy development, staff training, and regular compliance oversight.Culinary training curriculum — develop and implement for all cooking staff, aligning instructional content with operational goals and Job Zone 3 skill standards.Departmental food production strategy — set and execute across multiple stations or locations to achieve consistent quality and financial targets.Vendor relationships and procurement contracts — lead negotiations and manage supply chain decisions to ensure cost-effective kitchen operations.Organizational food service standards — author and communicate through documentation tools including word processing, presentation, and email software.Senior and mid-level cook performance — evaluate, coach, and mentor systematically to build a high-functioning culinary team.Budget and resource allocation for kitchen operations — oversee at an organizational level, using financial data to guide staffing and purchasing decisions.Operational stress events such as staff shortages or equipment failures — lead the team response with composure, decisiveness, and clear communication.Cross-department collaboration with management, marketing, and sales teams — facilitate to align kitchen capabilities with business growth initiatives.Long-term kitchen workforce development plans — design and champion to ensure sustainable staffing, skills progression, and service excellence.
Also known as
3 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Assistant CookFalafel Cart CookFraternity House Cook