BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasCooks, Fast Food

O*NET · 35-2011.00

Cooks, Fast Food

Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single-purpose cooking equipment.

Also called Cook · Cook Line Worker · Fast Food Cook · Fast Food Fry Cook · Fast Food Worker · Food Cook · Food Service Cook · Fry Cook
9 more

Fryer · Fryline Attendant · Grill Cook · Grill Line Cook · Line Cook · Pizza Cook · Pizza Maker · Snack Bar Cook · Specialty Cook

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Food Preparation Workers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.33
  • C Conventional4.32
  • E Enterprising3.36
  • S Social2.42
  • A Artistic1.85
  • I Investigative1.38

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma63%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent21%
  • Some College Courses12%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
Related work experience
None (67%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (59%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (61%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Service Orientation3.12.4Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.5Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Speakingbasic2.92.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Coordination2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Monitoringbasic2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Social Perceptiveness2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Time Management2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Operations Monitoring2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Persuasion2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
Show the other 23

Tasks

15 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.4.7
  2. Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils.4.7
  3. Operate large-volume cooking equipment, such as grills, deep-fat fryers, or griddles.4.7
  4. Read food order slips or receive verbal instructions as to food required by patron, and prepare and cook food according to instructions.4.7
  5. Verify that prepared food meets requirements for quality and quantity.4.6
  6. Take food and drink orders and receive payment from customers.4.6
  7. Cook the exact number of items ordered by each customer, working on several different orders simultaneously.4.6
  8. Serve orders to customers at windows, counters, or tables.4.6
  9. Prepare specialty foods, such as pizzas, fish and chips, sandwiches, or tacos, following specific methods that usually require short preparation time.4.6
  10. Wash, cut, and prepare foods designated for cooking.4.5
  11. Clean, stock, and restock workstations and display cases.4.5
  12. Cook and package batches of food, such as hamburgers or fried chicken, prepared to order or kept warm until sold.4.4
Show the other 8
  1. Measure ingredients required for specific food items.4.3
  2. Pre-cook items, such as bacon, to prepare them for later use.4.1
  3. Take out garbage.3.9
  4. Prepare and serve beverages, such as coffee or fountain drinks.4.6
  5. Prepare dough, following recipe.4.1
  6. Schedule activities and equipment use with managers, using information about daily menus to help coordinate cooking times.3.7
  7. Order and take delivery of supplies.3.7
  8. Mix ingredients, such as pancake or waffle batters.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Food Production3.82.8
  • Customer and Personal Service3.73.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.32.9
  • Production and Processing2.92.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Administration and Management2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Mathematics2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Transportation2.41.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
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  • Education and Training2.32.6
  • Public Safety and Security2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Sales and Marketing2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Communications and Media1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Administrative1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Computers and Electronics1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Foreign Language1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Law and Government1.70.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Mechanical1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Psychology1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Telecommunications1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Biology1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Chemistry1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Engineering and Technology1.5—
  • Physics1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Design1.4—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Geography1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Near Vision3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Information Ordering3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual Dexterity3.02.8
  • Oral Expression3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Selective Attention3.02.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity3.02.6
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  • Speech Recognition3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Time Sharing3.02.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Deductive Reasoning2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Written Comprehension2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Problem Sensitivity2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Trunk Strength2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Inductive Reasoning2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Stamina2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Finger Dexterity2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Auditory Attention2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Category Flexibility2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
  • Control Precision2.31.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Gross Body Coordination2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Dynamic Strength2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Far Vision2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Memorization2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Perceptual Speed2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Reaction Time2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Static Strength2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Written Expression2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Flexibility of Closure2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number Facility2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Speed of Closure2.02.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Explosive Strength1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Fluency of Ideas1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Visualization1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Rate Control1.80.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.60.9
  • Response Orientation1.60.9
  • Depth Perception1.50.5
  • Spatial Orientation1.4—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.40.4
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.83.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Processing Information3.42.8
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  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.32.7
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.22.6
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.22.8
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.22.8
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.12.7
  • Training and Teaching Others3.12.7
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.92.6
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.92.9
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.92.2Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing and Building Teams2.82.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange greetings with a coworker
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.51.7Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.51.7Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.51.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Thinking Creatively2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Working with Computers2.31.4Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Spend Time Standing5.0
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.5
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.1
  • Physical Proximity4.1
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.1
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.1
  • Spend Time Walking or Running3.9

Technology

7 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (3)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (4)
  • Aldelo Systems Aldelo for Restaurants Pro
  • Foodman Home-Delivery
  • Plexis Software Plexis POS
  • RestaurantPlus PRO

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Cooks, Short Order
  2. Cooks, Restaurant
  3. Food Preparation Workers
  4. Bakers
  5. Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
  6. Fast Food and Counter Workers
  7. Butchers and Meat Cutters
  8. Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
  9. Baristas
  10. Food Batchmakers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.