SOC 35-1011
Chefs and Head Cooks
Risk Score
⚠️39/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥182,320
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$61K
$36K – $96K
Projected Growth
📈+7.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖67/100
High exposure
💡 Chefs and Head Cooks face a risk score of 39/100 — 5 points below the national average of 44. With 67/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $61K ($15K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 39/100, Chefs and Head Cooks faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai inventory management and waste reduction are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 182,320 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in hospitality and personalized guest experiences and food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Chefs and Head Cooks?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
AI inventory management and waste reduction
Self-ordering kiosks and mobile app displacement
AI summarization replacing manual report compilation
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Hospitality and personalized guest experiences
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
Adapting to real-time dietary and allergy requests
Creative menu development and flavor innovation
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 51% |
| Education Administrators, All Other | 21 | $89K | 61% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 23 | $168K | 57% |