National
| Median wages (2008) |
$10.68 hourly, $22,210 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
401,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
152,000 additional employees |
35-2012.00 - Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
Sample of reported job titles:
Cook, Food and Nutrition Services Assistant, Cafeteria Manager, Cafeteria Worker, Dietary Aide, Cook Supervisor, Dietary Cook, School Cook, Food Service Specialist, Basket Lunch Preparer
Tasks
- Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
- Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
- Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
- Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.
- Monitor use of government food commodities to ensure that proper procedures are followed.
- Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and other cooking equipment.
- Compile and maintain records of food use and expenditures.
- Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.
- Bake breads, rolls, and other pastries.
- Train new employees.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Commercial use broilers — Broilers; Salamanders |
| Commercial use cutlery — Chefs' knives; Kitchen shears; Oyster knives; Paring knives |
| Commercial use deep fryers — Electric deep-fat fryers; Gas-powered deep-fat fryers |
| Commercial use food slicers — Bread slicers; Food slicers; Mandolines |
| Commercial use ranges — Electric stoves; Gas stoves |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software |
| Point of sale POS software — PCS Revenue Control Systems FASTRAK School Meal Software |
| Project management software — Meals Plus software; Pacific Triangle Software Bon Appetit |
| Spreadsheet software — IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
| 35-2011.00 |
Cooks, Fast Food
|
| 35-2015.00 |
Cooks, Short Order
|
| 35-3022.00 |
Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop
|
| 35-3041.00 |
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
|
| 35-9011.00 |
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
|
| 35-9031.00 |
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
|
| 37-2012.00 |
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
|
| 43-4081.00 |
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
|
| 43-5011.00 |
Cargo and Freight Agents
|
