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Food Service

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
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Median pay

$36,450
Median annual pay for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

69,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

466,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+9,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1English Language
  2. 2Food Production
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Production and Processing

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Category Flexibility
  4. 4Deductive Reasoning
  5. 5Information Ordering
  6. 6Oral Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Investigative

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cooperation
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Spend Time Standing
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Time Pressure

Representative 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyGNOME GnutritionIBM Lotus 1-2-3Meals PlusPCS Revenue Control Systems FASTRAK School Meal Software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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