Cook

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Work Tasks

• Prepare and cook food by following recipes or making their own for new dishes
• Try new things to make dishes better
• Direct other kitchen workers
• Estimate what food will be needed and order the food and supplies
• Work in kitchens in schools, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, private clubs, and other places that serve food
• Work with stoves, broilers, grills, food processors, slicers, grinders, pots and pans, utensils, food, spices, menus, order forms, etc.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $25,000 average per year ($12.00 per hour)
• A very large occupation (2,006,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.7% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training and a health certificate
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree or an apprenticeship in culinary arts
• Skills/Courses: Courses in applied chemistry, ingredients and nutrition, government health and sanitation regulations, and food safety
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available.