Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (6%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 4 (24%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 12 (71%)

• Compile and maintain records of food use and expenditures.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment, and appliances, based on estimates of future needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan menus that are varied, nutritionally balanced, and appetizing, taking advantage of foods in season and local availability.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Monitor menus and spending to ensure that meals are prepared economically.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Determine meal prices, based on calculations of ingredient prices.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Rotate and store food supplies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean, cut, and cook meat, fish, or poultry.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct activities of one or more workers who assist in preparing and serving meals.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Train new employees.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Take inventory of supplies and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Bake breads, rolls, or other pastries.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Monitor use of government food commodities to ensure that proper procedures are followed.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task