Cooks, Short Order
Short order cooks prepare and cook food quickly in restaurant kitchens, diners, and fast-casual establishments. They handle orders for items like eggs, burgers, sandwiches, and other meals that require minimal prep time. These cooks may also take orders directly from customers and serve food at counters or tables.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cooks, short order and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A short order cook's shift involves standing at a stove or grill, receiving orders, and preparing multiple dishes simultaneously under time pressure. Tasks include cooking proteins, assembling sandwiches, plating food, and maintaining a clean station. The work is fast-paced and repetitive, with rushes during breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. Communication with other kitchen staff and servers is constant to ensure orders are filled correctly and promptly.
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 likely enjoy hands-on work that follows established procedures and produces immediate, tangible results. You work well in structured environments with clear expectations, and you prefer practical problem-solving over abstract tasks. People who thrive here tend to be reliable, organized, and comfortable working quickly under time pressure.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $36,080 | $46,630 | $50,180 | 1,880 |
| Rhode Island | $41,850 | $46,250 | $46,700 | — |
| Massachusetts | $33,620 | $44,290 | $50,690 | 4,760 |
| Hawaii | $38,600 | $43,110 | $46,620 | 460 |
| California | $38,250 | $42,930 | $45,020 | 30,740 |
| Washington | $36,000 | $42,760 | $50,870 | 1,700 |
| Colorado | $35,220 | $42,450 | $45,760 | 1,900 |
| Connecticut | $39,970 | $42,450 | $45,400 | — |
| District of Columbia | $39,650 | $42,450 | $42,570 | 1,910 |
| New Jersey | $36,360 | $40,720 | $46,900 | 850 |
| Idaho | $27,060 | $40,090 | $45,640 | 120 |
| Vermont | $36,080 | $38,830 | $46,320 | 670 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook (CFPC) — 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, short order and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-2015.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.