Fast Food Cook | Explore this Career

What Fast Food Cooks DoPrepare 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.

Order and take delivery of supplies.
Cook the exact number of items ordered by each customer, working on several different orders simultaneously.
Prepare specialty foods, such as pizzas, fish and chips, sandwiches, or tacos, following specific methods that usually require short preparation time.
Operate large-volume cooking equipment, such as grills, deep-fat fryers, or griddles.
Wash, cut, and prepare foods designated for cooking.

Fast Food Cooks Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationNone

Career ProspectsRisky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training TimeLess than 6 months

Job Openings82,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$36,410 in California

$30,160 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Time Management
Management of Personnel Resources

Go Deeper: Fast Food Cooks Explained

Fast Food CookExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

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Find local programs, apprenticeships, or degrees to start your path.

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What Is the Hospitality & Care Industry?

Hospitality & CareThe primary activities of this group involve facilitating hospitality and recreation, including preparing and serving food, and providing personal wellness services.