Median Annual Wage: $22,490
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (38%); Less than high school diploma (33%); Some college, no degree (11%)
Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)
Related Job Titles: Cook; Prep Cook (Preparation Cook); Grill Cook; Line Cook; Banquet Cook; Breakfast Cook; Back Line Cook; Fry Cook; Pastry Baker
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						Source: O*NET OnLine information for Cooks, Restaurant.
						More Food Preparation and Serving Related Careers
					 
					
						 - Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
 - Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
 - Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.
 - Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
 - Bake, roast, broil, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
 - Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
 - Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to waiters or patrons.
 - Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.
 - Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.
 - Carve and trim meats such as beef, veal, ham, pork, and lamb for hot or cold service, or for sandwiches.
 - Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.
 
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Cooks, Restaurant.
					 
					
						- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
 - Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
 - Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
 - Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
 - Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
 - Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
 - Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
 - Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
 - Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
 
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Cooks, Restaurant.