Cooks, Restaurant

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 (5%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (15%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 16 (80%)

• Keep records and accounts.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Estimate expected food consumption, requisition or purchase supplies, or procure food from storage.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Consult with supervisory staff to plan menus, taking into consideration factors such as costs and special event needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan and price menu items.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment, work surfaces, and serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to waiters or patrons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Bake, roast, broil, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Coordinate and supervise work of kitchen staff.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare relishes and hors d'oeuvres.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Carve and trim meats such as beef, veal, ham, pork, and lamb for hot or cold service, or for sandwiches.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Bake breads, rolls, cakes, and pastries.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Butcher and dress animals, fowl, or shellfish, or cut and bone meat prior to cooking.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task