Short Order Cook

Explore This Path

Perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced, dynamic kitchen environments.
Bring joy to customers with quick, delicious meals made to order.
Master the art of crafting diverse dishes in a short time.

💰 Earn $36K-$42K

📚 NO DEGREE REQUIRED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -4.1% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.

Clean food preparation equipment, work areas, and counters or tables.
Perform food preparation tasks, such as making sandwiches, carving meats, making soups or salads, baking breads or desserts, and brewing coffee or tea.
Perform general cleaning activities in kitchen and dining areas.
Restock kitchen supplies, rotate food, and stamp the time and date on food in coolers.
Grill, cook, and fry foods such as french fries, eggs, and pancakes.

Scoop

Minimum Education

None

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

18,400 Annually

Median Earnings

$37,590 in California

$34,130 Nationally

$25K

$50K

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$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Short Order Cook

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years

Strategic Employment

Strategic employment provides individuals with valuable work experience, opportunities for professional growth and networking, and exposure to an industry where they may want to pursue advancement.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 1-3 years