BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasCooks, Institution and Cafeteria

O*NET · 35-2012.00

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.

Also called Boarding House Cook · Cafeteria Cook · Camp Cook · Cook · Culinary Specialist · Dietary Aide · Dietary Cook · Dinner Cook
16 more

Food Service Specialist · Food Service Worker · Galley Cook · Institutional Cook · Kitchen Cook · Line Cook · Mess Cook · Nutrition Care Specialist · Prep Cook · Prep Cook (Preparatory Cook) · Ranch Cook · School Cafeteria Cook · School Cook · Ship's Cook · Sous Chef · Special Diet Cook

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCS35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Cooks, Private Household

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

RCSRealistic · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.90
  • C Conventional4.35
  • S Social3.17
  • E Enterprising3.16
  • A Artistic2.01
  • I Investigative1.83

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 Diploma2%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent71%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate14%
  • Some College Courses6%
  • Bachelor's Degree7%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (26%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (69%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (50%)

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.

  • Monitoringbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Service Orientation3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Speakingbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Quality Control Analysis3.12.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Monitoring3.12.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Coordination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
Show the other 23
  • Active Learningbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Mathematicsbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Operation and Control2.92.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Instructing2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Writingbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Management of Material Resources2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Persuasion2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Analysis2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Financial Resources2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Troubleshooting2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operations Analysis1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Technology Design1.60.8
  • Equipment Selection1.50.6
  • Equipment Maintenance1.3—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Programming1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—
  • Sciencebasic1.0—

Tasks

12 core · 5 supplemental

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

  1. Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.4.7
  2. Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.4.7
  3. Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.4.6
  4. Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.4.6
  5. Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.4.6
  6. Rotate and store food supplies.4.6
  7. Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.4.5
  8. Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.4.4
  9. Train new employees.4.3
  10. Take inventory of supplies and equipment.4.2
  11. Requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment, and appliances, based on estimates of future needs.4.2
  12. Bake breads, rolls, or other pastries.3.8
Show the other 5
  1. Monitor use of government food commodities to ensure that proper procedures are followed.4.4
  2. Compile and maintain records of food use and expenditures.4.3
  3. Monitor menus and spending to ensure that meals are prepared economically.4.3
  4. Plan menus that are varied, nutritionally balanced, and appetizing, taking advantage of foods in season and local availability.4.3
  5. Determine meal prices, based on calculations of ingredient prices.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Food Production3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
  • Mathematics3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Administration and Management3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Production and Processing3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Public Safety and Security3.02.7
  • Education and Training2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Administrative2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Law and Government2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Psychology2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Chemistry2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Economics and Accounting2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Therapy and Counseling2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Foreign Language1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Physics1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Communications and Media1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Design1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and Technology1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Mechanical1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Philosophy and Theology1.71.6Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Telecommunications1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Biology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Geography1.4—
  • Transportation1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and Construction1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral Expression3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Category Flexibility3.13.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Information Ordering3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Clarity3.12.9
Show all 52
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Manual Dexterity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Recognition3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Time Sharing3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visualization3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Control Precision2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Written Expression2.92.6
  • Far Vision2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Stamina2.82.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.6
  • Number Facility2.62.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Auditory Attention2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Fluency of Ideas2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.51.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Flexibility of Closure2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Depth Perception2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Memorization2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Static Strength2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Reaction Time2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speed of Closure2.01.9
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Rate Control1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Response Orientation1.91.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.40.5
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.92.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.73.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Show all 41
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.73.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.62.7
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.52.9
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Processing Information3.42.6
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.32.8
  • Training and Teaching Others3.32.9
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.22.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.22.2Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.22.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.22.8
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.12.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.12.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.12.3Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.02.7
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.02.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing and Building Teams2.92.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.82.1Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.71.9Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.72.6
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Thinking Creatively2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Working with Computers2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.3—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.3—

Work context

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

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Spend Time Standing4.7
  • Contact With Others4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Time Pressure4.4
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.3
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings4.2
  • Spend Time Walking or Running4.1
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.0

Technology

6 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 (2)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (4)
  • GNOME Gnutrition
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • Meals Plus
  • PCS Revenue Control Systems FASTRAK School Meal Software

Related occupations

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

  1. Cooks, Restaurant
  2. Food Preparation Workers
  3. Cooks, Private Household
  4. Cooks, Short Order
  5. Chefs and Head Cooks
  6. Cooks, Fast Food
  7. Bakers
  8. Food Service Managers
  9. Fast Food and Counter Workers
  10. First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

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.