SOC 35-2021
Food Preparation Workers
Risk Score
⚠️57/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥888,770
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$34K
$23K – $44K
Projected Growth
📈-3.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖19/100
Low exposure
💡 Food Preparation Workers face a risk score of 57/100 — 13 points above the national average of 44. With only 19/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $34K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 57/100, Food Preparation Workers 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 888,770 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in managing chaotic high-volume service environments and food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Food Preparation Workers?
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
Automated food preparation and cooking robotics
Robotic food delivery within establishments
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Managing chaotic high-volume service environments
Food presentation requiring artistic and tactile skill
Hospitality and personalized guest experiences
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 | 57% |
| Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers | 16 | $145K | 52% |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 27 | $37K | 65% |