SOC 35-2012
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Risk Score
⚠️59/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥448,260
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$36K
$27K – $48K
Projected Growth
📈+2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖38/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria face a risk score of 59/100 — 15 points above the national average of 44. With only 38/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $36K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 59/100, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated food preparation and cooking robotics are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 448,260 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in creative menu development and flavor innovation and food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Automated food preparation and cooking robotics
Self-ordering kiosks and mobile app displacement
Robotic food delivery within establishments
AI inventory management and waste reduction
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Creative menu development and flavor innovation
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
Managing chaotic high-volume service environments
Adapting to real-time dietary and allergy requests
📊 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% |