Short Order Cooks
Overview
Short order cooks work in fast-paced restaurant kitchens, preparing a variety of foods like burgers, fries, sandwiches, and breakfast items quickly and efficiently. They use modern kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, and food processors while multitasking to fill multiple orders simultaneously. This job requires strong time management skills, the ability to work under pressure, and good teamwork since kitchen staff must coordinate closely to serve customers promptly. Many short order cooks start with on-the-job training and can advance to head cook or restaurant management positions.
Did you know?
Short order cooks work in fast-paced, hot kitchen environments requiring long periods of standing, quick movements, and handling of sharp equipment and hot surfaces.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$33,168.82 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Active Listening
Key Responsibilities
- Plan work on orders so that items served together are finished at the same time.
- Perform general cleaning activities in kitchen and dining areas.
- Clean food preparation equipment, work areas, and counters or tables.
- Grill and garnish hamburgers or other meats, such as steaks and chops.
- Complete orders from steam tables, placing food on plates and serving customers at tables or counters.
- Accept payments, and make change or write charge slips as necessary.
- Perform food preparation tasks, such as making sandwiches, carving meats, making soups or salads, baking breads or desserts, and brewing coffee or tea.
- Restock kitchen supplies, rotate food, and stamp the time and date on food in coolers.
- Order supplies and stock them on shelves.
- Take orders from customers and cook foods requiring short preparation times, according to customer requirements.
- Grill, cook, and fry foods such as french fries, eggs, and pancakes.
Career Considerations
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Short order cooks work in fast-paced, hot kitchen environments requiring long periods of standing, quick movements, and handling of sharp equipment and hot surfaces.
Career Advancement Opportunities
While entry-level positions require minimal formal education, experienced short order cooks can advance to supervisory roles, head cook positions, or transition into restaurant management.
Wage and Employment Stability
This occupation typically offers lower wages compared to skilled trades but provides consistent job availability due to steady demand in the American food service industry.