SOC 35-2000
Cooks and Food Preparation Workers
Risk Score
⚠️51/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥3,632,290
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$35K
$24K – $46K
Projected Growth
📈+2.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖35/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Cooks and Food Preparation Workers face a risk score of 51/100 — 7 points above the national average of 44. With only 35/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $35K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 51/100, Cooks and Food Preparation Workers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated dishwashing and kitchen cleaning systems are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 3,632,290 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in creative menu development and flavor innovation and hospitality and personalized guest experiences to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Cooks and Food Preparation Workers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Automated dishwashing and kitchen cleaning systems
AI inventory management and waste reduction
Robotic food delivery within establishments
Automated food preparation and cooking robotics
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Creative menu development and flavor innovation
Hospitality and personalized guest experiences
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
Managing chaotic high-volume service environments
📊 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Administrators, All Other | 21 | $89K | 65% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 60% |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 27 | $37K | 53% |