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.
SOC: 35-2011.00
Common Job Titles
CookGrill CookLine CookPizza Cook
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onCoordinate multiple food preparation tasks to manage order flow and meet service time standards under pressure.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate large-volume single-purpose cooking equipment including fryers, griddles, and grills in fast-paced restaurant environments following standardized recipes and procedures.Developing
- Hands-onHandle food items and ingredients maintaining food safety and hygiene standards while preparing limited-menu items.Developing
- KnowledgeApply portion control and food preparation procedures to ensure consistency and quality across menu items during high-volume service.Developing
- MindsetRespond to customer service expectations by maintaining a service-oriented attitude during busy shifts.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret customer orders from POS terminals and order tickets accurately prioritizing tasks based on order sequence and timing requirements.Developing
- MindsetEngage in team coordination and communication with kitchen staff and front-of-house personnel to maintain workflow efficiency.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain basic cooking procedures and safety protocols when training new team members on equipment operation and food handling.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify food safety hazards and quality issues through continuous monitoring of cooking processes and food storage conditions.Emerging
- KnowledgeSelect appropriate cooking methods and temperatures for different menu items according to established recipes and food safety guidelines.Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Cooks, Fast Food (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
668,230
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $22,370 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $38,980 |
| Workers on average earn | $31,140 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Administration and Management3.3/5
- Transportation3.3/5
- Communications and Media3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
Aldelo Systems Aldelo for Restaurants ProFoodman Home-DeliveryPlexis Software Plexis POSPoint of sale POS softwareRestaurantPlus PRO
Tools & Equipment
Bakers' peelsCappuccino makersCarbonated beverage dispensersCash registersChefs' knivesCommercial coffeemakersConvection ovensDeep fat fryers