National
| Median wages (2008) |
$10.57 hourly, $21,990 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
850,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
328,000 additional employees |
35-2014.00 - Cooks, Restaurant
Prepare, season, and cook soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foodstuffs in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.
Sample of reported job titles:
Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook (Preparation Cook), Grill Cook, Banquet Cook, Breakfast Cook, Back Line Cook, Fry Cook, Pastry Baker, Saucier
Tasks
- Inspect food preparation and serving areas to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices.
- Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.
- Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
- Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.
- 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.
- Regulate temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
- Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.
- Bake, roast, broil, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
- Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Commercial use cutlery — Boning knives; Chefs' knives; Paring knives |
| Commercial use ovens — Conveyor ovens; Rotating rack ovens; Salamander ovens |
| Cutting machinery — Meat saws |
| Domestic knives — Cimeter knives; Filet knives; Utility cutlery |
| Slicing machinery — Meat and cheese slicing machines |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Compliance software — Food safety labeling systems |
| Data base user interface and query software — Menu planning software |
| Inventory management software |
| Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software — Recipe cost control software |
| Point of sale POS software — Point of sale POS restaurant software |
