Explore This Path

Short Order Cook

💰 Earn $36K-$44K

📚 No Degree Required

⏱️ 6–12 Month Training

📈 -5.6% Job Growth

Perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced, dynamic kitchen environments.
Bring joy to customers with quick, delicious meals made to order.
Master the art of crafting diverse dishes in a short time.

What Short Order Cooks DoPrepare 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.

Clean food preparation equipment, work areas, and counters or tables.
Perform food preparation tasks, such as making sandwiches, carving meats, making soups or salads, baking breads or desserts, and brewing coffee or tea.
Perform general cleaning activities in kitchen and dining areas.
Restock kitchen supplies, rotate food, and stamp the time and date on food in coolers.
Grill, cook, and fry foods such as french fries, eggs, and pancakes.

Short Order Cooks Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationNone

Career ProspectsRisky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings20,600 Annually

Median Earnings

$39,010 in California

$35,620 Nationally

$25K

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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.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@woocancook

@unclegussys

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

Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Coordination

Go Deeper: Short Order Cooks Explained

Short Order 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

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

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