Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.
Cooks, Short Order
SOC: 35-2015 O*NET: 35-2015.00
Median Salary
$35,620
per year
Job Growth
📉 -5.6%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
20.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.
What does a Cooks, Short Order do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$21,372
25th
$28,496
50th (Median)
$35,620
75th
$42,744
90th
$53,430
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:151,100
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-5.6%
Annual Openings:20,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)151,100
Current
2034 (Projected)142,700
-5.6%
-8,400
Employment Change
-5.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Time Management
88%
#3
Active Listening
76%
#4
Coordination
64%
#5
Speaking
52%
#6
Service Orientation
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Time Management
intermediate4.4
88%
Active Listening
intermediate3.8
76%
Coordination
intermediate3.2
64%
Speaking
basic2.6
52%
Service Orientation
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance88%
skills
4.4/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance76%
skills
3.8/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance64%
skills
3.2/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance52%
skills
2.6/5.0
Service Orientation
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Tour Guides and Escorts75%
5 shared skills
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers71%
5 shared skills
Meter Readers, Utilities71%
5 shared skills
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service71%
5 shared skills
Office Clerks, General67%
5 shared skills
Parking Enforcement Workers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Time Management
Learn on the Job:
- →Coordination
- →Speaking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Cooks, Short Order
Technology Intensity
Medium
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
VERY HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet very high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What education is required?
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year