Food Service · Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$25–31k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$36–43k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+14.9% · Much faster than average
Projected growth of 14.9% from 2024 to 2034; about 251 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Restaurant
Cooks, Restaurant
Experienced Cooks, Restaurant
Senior Cooks, Restaurant
Director of Food Service
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
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