Chefs and head cooks
SOC Code: 35-1011
Chefs and head cooks carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $60,990 and +7.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 197,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 39% AI exposure, Chefs and head cooks sits 2 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 65% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Chefs and head cooks sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Chefs and head cooks has ai exposure of 39%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Chefs and head cooks vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Chefs and head cooks is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Chefs and head cooks (SOC 35-1011) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 197,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.1% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $60,990, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus 5 years or more of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Chefs and head cooks. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
- 2. Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
- 3. Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
- 4. Order or requisition food or other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation.
- 5. Inspect supplies, equipment, or work areas to ensure conformance to established standards.
- 6. Check the quantity and quality of received products.
- 7. Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
- 8. Estimate amounts and costs of required supplies, such as food and ingredients.
- 9. Coordinate planning, budgeting, or purchasing for all the food operations within establishments such as clubs, hotels, or restaurant chains.
- 10. Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs.
Key Skills Required
- Coordination
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Time Management
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Critical Thinking
- Service Orientation
- Active Listening
- Instructing
Knowledge Areas
- Food Production
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Chefs and head cooks?
Chefs and head cooks has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Chefs and head cooks?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Chefs and head cooks is projected to grow by 7.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 197,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Chefs and head cooks?
Key skills for Chefs and head cooks include Coordination, Monitoring, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Chefs and head cooks earn?
The median annual wage for Chefs and head cooks is $60,990, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Chefs and head cooks?
The typical entry-level education for Chefs and head cooks is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Chefs and head cooks?
Chefs and head cooks roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).