Food Preparation Workers
Machines can already do 22% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 61%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Food Preparation Workers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 22% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 61% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 893,600 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $35,320 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 62% for contact with people.
- Also called: Cook, Cook Aide, Deli Clerk (Delicatessen Clerk), Diet Aide.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware | 10% | 20% to 60% | |
| Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving | 10% | 20% to 60% | |
| Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Portion and wrap food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas | 3% | 20% to 60% | |
| Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage | 3% | 20% to 60% | |
| Weigh or measure ingredients | 3% | 30% to 75% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills food preparation workers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Sewers, Hand59% of tasks by 2035 · US median $36,480
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners58% of tasks by 2035 · US median $36,840
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners53% of tasks by 2035 · US median $35,510
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers54% of tasks by 2035 · US median $34,890
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Food Preparation Workers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of food preparation workers?
Machines can do 22% of the tasks of food preparation workers today and 61% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 35-2021.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Food Preparation Workers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/food-preparation-workers/