FAQ
Short-Order Cook FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a short-order cook.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a short-order cook: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about short-order cooks
Do I need experience?
No.
Is it a path to line cook?
Yes.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline.
How much does a short-order cook make?
The median annual wage for short-order cooks was $35,880 ($17.25 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $23,440 and the highest 10% earned more than $46,460.
How long does it take to become a short-order cook?
Most people need about A few days on the job of training. No formal educational credential is required.
Do you need a degree to be a short-order cook?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is short-order cook a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -5.2% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 17,400 openings each year. Upsides include fast start; a common challenge is that declining jobs.
What skills does a short-order cook need?
Key technical skills include griddle cooking, egg cooking, ticket timing, and multitasking. Employers also value speed, focus, and calm.
What certifications are available for short-order cooks?
Common credentials include Food handler card, ServSafe, Culinary classes, and Allergen training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Short-Order Cook fit quiz, compare with Line Cook, or explore Short-Order Cook training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 35-2015 (Cooks, short order).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Cooks, short order (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.