- Median annual pay
- $36,450
- Employment
- 466,100
- Ten-year outlook
- +2.0%
- Annual openings
- 69,700
BLS, 2024
U.S., 2024
2024–34
Projected average
The work
Core tasks
- 01Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.
- 02Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
- 03Rotate and store food supplies.
- 04Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.
- 05Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
- 06Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
- 07Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.
- 08Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.
- 09Train new employees.
- 10Take inventory of supplies and equipment.
- 11Requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment, and appliances, based on estimates of future needs.
- 12Bake breads, rolls, or other pastries.
Capabilities
Essential skills
SpeakingMonitoringActive ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionMathematicsActive LearningWritingLearning StrategiesScience
Employment outlook
Where the role is heading
U.S. employment is projected to move from 466,100 in 2024 to 475,400 in 2034, a +2.0% change.
BLS projects an average of 69,700 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.