Cooks, Fast Food
Fast food cooks prepare and cook food in restaurants with limited menus, typically working with large-volume cooking equipment designed for specific items. They handle tasks like grilling, frying, and assembling basic menu items in fast-paced kitchen environments at chains and quick-service restaurants across the country.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cooks, fast food and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves operating fryers, grills, and other specialized equipment to cook items according to set procedures. Cooks monitor cooking times, maintain food temperature standards, and coordinate with other kitchen staff and order takers. Tasks include prepping ingredients, assembling orders, and maintaining cleanliness and safety in the kitchen while managing multiple orders during busy periods.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on, practical work with clear procedures and concrete outcomes. You're organized and detail-oriented, comfortable following established systems, and capable of working efficiently in structured, fast-paced environments where tasks are straightforward and measurable.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $29,120 | $48,120 | $49,260 | — |
| District of Columbia | $38,800 | $44,670 | $48,820 | 2,760 |
| California | $37,260 | $42,050 | $43,300 | 124,440 |
| Washington | $36,390 | $39,120 | $44,050 | 9,020 |
| New Hampshire | $37,500 | $38,590 | $44,290 | 1,330 |
| Vermont | $36,190 | $38,230 | $38,740 | 640 |
| Oregon | $35,010 | $37,880 | $40,280 | 4,300 |
| Massachusetts | $36,400 | $37,870 | $41,600 | — |
| Colorado | $34,790 | $36,900 | $38,990 | 9,220 |
| Maine | $33,770 | $36,350 | $37,910 | 1,470 |
| New York | $33,340 | $35,770 | $38,130 | 11,710 |
| Rhode Island | $31,200 | $35,230 | $35,690 | 1,210 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook (CFPC) — American Culinary Federation, Inc.
- Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) — American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cooks, fast food and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-2011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.