SOC 35-2011
Cooks, Fast Food
Risk Score
⚠️69/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥668,230
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$30K
$22K – $39K
Projected Growth
📈-13.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖31/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Cooks, Fast Food face a risk score of 69/100 — 25 points above the national average of 44. With only 31/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $30K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 69/100, Cooks, Fast Food faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like self-ordering kiosks and mobile app displacement are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 668,230 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in hospitality and personalized guest experiences and adapting to real-time dietary and allergy requests to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Cooks, Fast Food?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Self-ordering kiosks and mobile app displacement
Robotic food delivery within establishments
Automated dishwashing and kitchen cleaning systems
Automated food preparation and cooking robotics
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Hospitality and personalized guest experiences
Adapting to real-time dietary and allergy requests
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
📊 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 | 61% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 56% |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 27 | $37K | 69% |