How to Become a Cooks, Short Order in 2026
Median salary: $35,620 · -5.6% projected decline (2024–2034)
What does a Cooks, Short Order do?
Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.
Cooks, Short Order Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Cooks, Short Order is $35,620. The bottom 10% earn around $23,770 while the top 10% earn over $46,010.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $23,770 |
| Early career (P25) | $30,160 |
| Median | $35,620 |
| Experienced (P75) | $39,990 |
| Top earners (P90) | $46,010 |
Highest-paying metros
Cooks, Short Order salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Arizonatop | $46,240 |
| Washington | $46,010 |
| Massachusetts | $44,770 |
| Colorado | $44,090 |
| Hawaii | $41,100 |
| Alaska | $39,940 |
| Vermont | $39,140 |
| California | $39,010 |
| Nevada | $38,970 |
| District of Columbia | $38,340 |
| New Mexico | $38,130 |
| Connecticut | $36,970 |
| New York | $36,830 |
| Illinois | $36,700 |
| Utah | $36,680 |
| Oregon | $35,620 |
| Wyoming | $35,620 |
| Missouri | $35,300 |
| Maryland | $35,280 |
| New Jersey | $35,190 |
| North Dakota | $34,700 |
| Rhode Island | $34,410 |
| Florida | $34,320 |
| Maine | $34,070 |
| Delaware | $31,960 |
| Iowa | $31,520 |
| Montana | $31,490 |
| Idaho | $31,280 |
| Nebraska | $31,200 |
| South Dakota | $31,160 |
| Oklahoma | $31,040 |
| Indiana | $30,700 |
| Michigan | $30,670 |
| North Carolina | $30,530 |
| Virginia | $30,270 |
| Arkansas | $29,410 |
| Minnesota | $29,260 |
| South Carolina | $29,180 |
| Kentucky | $29,120 |
| New Hampshire | $29,000 |
| Tennessee | $29,000 |
| Texas | $28,770 |
| Ohio | $28,400 |
| West Virginia | $27,480 |
| Wisconsin | $27,300 |
| Louisiana | $27,050 |
| Kansas | $26,780 |
| Mississippi | $25,710 |
| Alabama | $25,340 |
| Georgia | $22,160 |
| Pennsylvania | $18,400 |
How to earn more as a Cooks, Short Order
The salary range for Cooks, Short Orders spans $22,240 — from $23,770 at entry level to $46,010 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Kahului-Wailuku, HI at $48,970 — $13,350 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: No formal educational credential
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (ServSafe, food handler certification, ACF certification)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Many restaurants offer paid training for entry-level positions. Culinary schools and community college culinary programs provide more structured education (6 months–2 years). ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification ($36 exam) is required in many jurisdictions. Consider starting as a line cook or prep cook and working your way up — many successful chefs followed this path.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (ServSafe, food handler certification, ACF certification)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Restaurant work values hustle, consistency, and the ability to work under pressure — skills that transfer from many other careers. If you've worked in any fast-paced, customer-facing environment, you have relevant experience. Many restaurants will hire motivated career changers and train them from scratch. Starting in a support role (prep cook, line cook) and working up is a time-tested path.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Cooks, Short Order — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
See how your skills transfer — freeAI and automation outlook
The Cooks, Short Order role has a low AI exposure score — one of the safer careers from automation. Most day-to-day tasks require human judgment, physical presence, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot replicate.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Cooks, Short Order.
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SOC: 35-2015.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034