Cooks, Restaurant

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  Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

Cooks, Restaurant

Also Called: Appetizer Preparer, Back Line Cook, Banquet Cook, Breakfast Cook, Broil Cook, Cook, Fry Cook, Grill Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook (Preparation Cook), Appetizer Preparer, Back Line Cook, Banquet Cook, Breakfast Cook, Broil Cook, Cook, Fry Cook, Grill Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook (Preparation Cook)

What they do

Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

$26,980
Starting Salary (2023)
$35,780
Median Salary (2023)
20.4%
Projected Job Growth
1,412,350
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment, work surfaces, and serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.
Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Cooperation
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Self-Control
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Monitoring
Coordination
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Time Management

Expected Knowledge

Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

More Info

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