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Retail

Cook, Short Order

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.

Annual openings

366

Median wage

$42,450

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+3%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

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Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Plan work on orders so that items served together are finished at the same time.
  2. Perform general cleaning activities in kitchen and dining areas.
  3. Take orders from customers and cook foods requiring short preparation times, according to customer requirements.
  4. Clean food preparation equipment, work areas, and counters or tables.
  5. Restock kitchen supplies, rotate food, and stamp the time and date on food in coolers.
  6. Perform food preparation tasks, such as making sandwiches, carving meats, making soups or salads, baking breads or desserts, and brewing coffee or tea.
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