How to become a cook, fast food

Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single-purpose cooking equipment.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What cooks, fast food do

• Take food and drink orders and receive payment from customers.
• Take out garbage.
• Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
• Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils.
• Verify that prepared food meets requirements for quality and quantity.
• Clean, stock, and restock workstations and display cases.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is cook, fast food a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 39% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $44,670
• California $42,050
• Washington $39,120
• New Hampshire $38,590
• Vermont $38,230

Cooks, Fast Food salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.