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Cooks

baking roast, grill and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods, monitoring food preparation methods for compliance with standards and butchering and preparing animals, fowl or shellfish for cooking. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: baking roast, grill and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

What shifts is estimating consumption of food, spirits, wine and other beverages: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.

Your week, as this page understands it

Cooks prepare, season and cook food, often using pre-prepared ingredients, in clubs, private households, fast food outlets, shops selling food cooked on the premises and the catering departments and canteens of other establishments. The job title says “cooks”. The real job is the part underneath: baking roast, grill and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But cooks is not one task. It is 47 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is baking roast, grill and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI
6%
changing shape
6%
staying human
88%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 10 out of 100 (8–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 47 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for cooks is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

Shifting to AI

3 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

  • Determining group food quantities for meal preparation

    This is reading one thing and writing another: group food quantities in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Determine group food quantities for meal preparation.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 68 out of 100 (61–75 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Portion maths is easy to calculate, though experience of what these diners actually eat still shapes the numbers.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Planning and determining pricing for menu items in hospitality settings

    This is reading one thing and writing another: menu items in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Plan and determine pricing for menu items in hospitality settings.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 68 out of 100 (61–75 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Costing and pricing dishes is arithmetic on known figures, though local competition shapes the final price.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Estimating consumption of food, spirits, wine and other beverages

    This is reading one thing and writing another: consumption of food, spirits, wine and other beverages in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 5435/00
    Source: “Estimate consumption of food, spirits, wine, and other beverages.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Estimating how much will be consumed is forecasting from past figures.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

3 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

  • Consulting with supervisory staff to plan menus

    The software now makes the first pass at supervisory staff, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Consult with supervisory staff to plan menus, taking into consideration factors such as costs and special event needs.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 57 out of 100 (50–64 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Menu planning around costs and events is desk work software helps with, though what sells here is local knowledge.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Ordering or purchasing supplies based on estimated consumption

    The software now makes the first pass at supplies, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Order or purchase supplies based on estimated consumption.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Ordering from usage figures is routine calculation, though someone still checks the store and the deliveries.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Scheduling equipment use with managers to help coordinate cooking times

    The software now makes the first pass at equipment, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 70 · 5435/00
    Source: “Schedule equipment use with managers to help coordinate cooking times.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 57 out of 100 (50–64 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Scheduling oven and equipment time is planning work, though it is agreed with the people running the kitchen.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

Staying human

41 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

  • Baking roast, grill and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods

    This work happens in the physical world: roast, grill and steam meats, fish, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 5435/00
    Source: “Bake, roast, grill, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Cooking food is physical work at the stove, whatever the recipe says.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Cooking the exact number of items ordered by each customer

    This work happens in the physical world: the exact number of items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 5435/00
    Source: “Cook the exact number of items ordered by each customer, managing multiple orders simultaneously.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Cooking each order to time is hands-on work in a busy kitchen.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Preparing and cooking food to a high standard

    This work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 5435/00
    Source: “Prepare and cook food to a high standard.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Preparing and cooking food to a high standard is skilled hands-on work at the stove.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Inspecting food hygiene and standards to ensure compliance

    This work happens in the physical world: food hygiene, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Inspect food hygiene and standards to ensure compliance.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Hygiene standards are published, but inspecting a working kitchen means looking, touching and smelling in the room itself.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 37 tasks

  • Monitoring food preparation methods for compliance with standards

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food preparation methods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Monitor food preparation methods for compliance with standards.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 15 out of 100 (8–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: The standards are written down, but seeing how food is really being prepared means being in the kitchen while it happens.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Ensuring freshness of food and ingredients by checking

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: freshness of food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Stock records can be handled by software, but judging freshness relies on handling, smelling and looking at food.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Preparing and organising own work

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: own work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Prepare and organise own work, following business/brand guidelines and procedures, meeting agreed deadlines.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Organising your own shift work happens on the restaurant floor, judging what needs doing next.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Monitoring and recording food temperatures to ensure food safety

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food temperatures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Readings must be taken physically from the food, though the record itself is routine paperwork.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Taking food and drink orders from customers

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 5435/00
    Source: “Take food and drink orders from customers.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Orders are usually taken face to face at the counter, though ordering systems already handle the routine part.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Coordinating staff engaged in food preparation

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: staff, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Coordinate staff engaged in food preparation.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Directing cooks through service happens on the kitchen floor, in the moment.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Baking breads, rolls, cakes and pastries to complement menu offerings

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: breads, rolls, cakes and pastries, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Bake breads, rolls, cakes, and pastries to complement menu offerings.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Baking is physical work with dough, ovens and timing judged by hand and eye.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Cleaning food preparation areas

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food preparation areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Clean food preparation areas.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Cleaning a kitchen is manual work done in the room itself.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Cleaning or preparing various foods for cooking or serving

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: various foods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Preparing and cleaning food is manual work at the counter.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Maintaining the work environment and hygiene standards to ensure it is fit for purpose

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: the work environment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Maintain the work environment and hygiene standards to ensure it is fit for purpose.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Keeping the workplace clean and fit for use is physical work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Operating large-volume cooking equipment, such as grills, deep-fat fryers or griddles

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: large-volume cooking equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Operate large-volume cooking equipment, such as grills, deep-fat fryers, or griddles.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Operating grills and fryers means standing at the equipment.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Preparing and carving meats for serving

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: meats, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Prepare and carve meats for serving.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Carving meat for service is skilled knife work done by hand.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Storing food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Putting food away correctly is physical handling in the store room.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Testing cooked food by tasting and smelling it to ensure palatability and flavour conformity

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: cooked food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 5435/00
    Source: “Test cooked food by tasting and smelling it to ensure palatability and flavour conformity.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Tasting and smelling food cannot be done except by a person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 0/4.

  • Butchering and preparing animals, fowl or shellfish for cooking

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: animals, fowl or shellfish, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Butcher and prepare animals, fowl, or shellfish for cooking.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Butchering and preparing animals or shellfish is physical work with knives.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Cleaning utensils

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: utensils, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Clean utensils.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Cleaning utensils is straightforward hands-on work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Cutting and boning meat prior to cooking

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: meat prior, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Cut and bone meat prior to cooking.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Cutting and boning meat is hands-on knife work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Garnishing and decorating dishes in preparation for serving

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: dishes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Garnish and decorate dishes in preparation for serving.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Garnishing and plating dishes means handling food by hand.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Packaging cooked food and keeping it warm until sold

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: cooked food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Package cooked food and keep it warm until sold.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Packing food and keeping it hot is done by hand at the pass.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Peeling chop and deseed fruit and vegetables to prepare them for consumption

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: chop, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Peel, chop, and deseed fruit and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Peeling, chopping and deseeding is manual knife work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Precooking items, such as bacon, to prepare them for later

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Pre-cook items, such as bacon, to prepare them for later use.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Pre-cooking items ready for service is physical kitchen work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Preparing fish and chips following specific methods that require short preparation time

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: fish, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Prepare fish and chips following specific methods that require short preparation time.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Frying fish and chips to time is hands-on work at the range.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Standing in for other chefs during emergencies or busy periods

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: for other chefs during emergencies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Stand in for other chefs during emergencies or busy periods.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Covering another chef’s section means physically being in the kitchen cooking.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Turning or stirring foods to ensure even cooking

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: foods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Turning and stirring food is manual work at the stove.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Weighing and measuring ingredients according to recipes or personal judgement

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: ingredients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 5435/00
    Source: “Weigh and measure ingredients according to recipes or personal judgement.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Weighing and measuring ingredients is done by hand at the bench.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Making sandwiches as per customer orders

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: sandwiches, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Make sandwiches as per customer orders.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Making sandwiches to order is manual work at the counter.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Mixing ingredients using various kitchen utensils and equipment

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: ingredients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Mix ingredients using various kitchen utensils and equipment.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Mixing ingredients is physical work with kitchen equipment.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Preparing dough, following recipe

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: dough, following recipe, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Prepare dough, following recipe.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Making dough is physical work judged by feel as well as by recipe.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Preparing starters to enhance dining experiences

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: starters, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Prepare starters to enhance dining experiences.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Preparing starters is hands-on kitchen work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Preparing tacos following specific methods that require short preparation time

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: tacos following specific methods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Prepare tacos following specific methods that require short preparation time.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Assembling tacos to a set method is manual work at the counter.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Serving meals to customers or clients

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: meals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Serve meals to customers or clients.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Putting meals in front of people is a hands-on job.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Washing food items

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Wash food items.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Washing food is done by hand at the sink.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Washing fruit and vegetables to ensure cleanliness before cooking or serving

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: fruit, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 5435/00
    Source: “Wash fruit and vegetables to ensure cleanliness before cooking or serving.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Rinsing produce before cooking or serving is manual work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Mixing ingredients for pancake or waffle batters

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: ingredients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 5435/00
    Source: “Mix ingredients for pancake or waffle batters.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Mixing batter is physical work at the bench.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Preparing and serving beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: beverages, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 5435/00
    Source: “Prepare and serve beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Making and carrying drinks is physical work behind the bar and at the table.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Preparing relishes

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: relishes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 5435/00
    Source: “Prepare relishes.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Preparing relishes is hands-on food preparation.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Serving customers at tables or counters

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 5435/00
    Source: “Serve customers at tables or counters.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Carrying food to tables and counters is physical work with people present.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay
£24,200a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this

Source: ashe-t14

Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)

Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.

People doing this job
47,500in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: consumption of food, spirits, wine and other beverages in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: estimating consumption of food, spirits, wine and other beverages and determining group food quantities for meal preparation. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where roast, grill and steam meats, fish get done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: baking roast, grill and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 6% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 6% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 88% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 47 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Estimating consumption of food, spirits, wine and other beverages is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.

This week: one thing

Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to consumption of food, spirits, wine and other beverages, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.

What you end up holding
a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
How long it takes
ten minutes

If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether roast, grill and steam meats, fish are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near consulting with supervisory staff to plan menus. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.

Over the next 12 months

On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to cooks (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was kitchen and catering assistants: only about 33% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 10/100 here, with only 6% of the task list in the top band, and “bake, roast, grill, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

  • Kitchen and catering assistants

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 33% of the work in that job the software is not taking.

    Why I am not recommending it: It is closer than most, and still not close enough: about 33% of that job's durable work is already yours, against the 35% I want to see before I will call something a route.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Chefs

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “prepare and cook food to a high standard”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 21% of the work in that job the software is not taking.

    Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 21% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Coffee shop workers

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “serve customers at tables or counters”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 19% of the work in that job the software is not taking.

    Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 19% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. It is a pay cut, in those words: £21,598 against your £24,228, 10.9% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

  • The headline number you read somewhere

    The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 6% of its task weight, across 47 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.

  • The headlines about your trade disappearing

    They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like baking roast, grill and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.

  • Retraining out of a job that is holding up

    On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.

  • The “obvious” next job everyone suggests

    I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United States page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

In US official statistics this job is counted as First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Cooks, Fast Food, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, Cooks, Private Household, Cooks, Restaurant, Cooks, Short Order and Cooks, All Other. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for cooks, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 6% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for cooks. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for cooks launches. Nothing else.

That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.

We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.

No Space for cooks yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for cooks existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for cooks launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Cooks?
Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 47 official task statements scored for Cooks (United Kingdom, SOC 5435), 6% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 10 out of 100 (range 8–15, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Cooks” can AI already do?
The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Estimate consumption of food, spirits, wine, and other beverages” (93/100, very high); “Determine group food quantities for meal preparation” (68/100, high); “Plan and determine pricing for menu items in hospitality settings” (68/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Cooks” stay human?
About 88% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Serve customers at tables or counters” (0/100, minimal); “Prepare relishes” (0/100, minimal); “Prepare and serve beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Cooks” do about AI?
Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 6% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 88% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Cooks calculated?
Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 47 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

  • Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
  • This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
  • One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
  • The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
  • 24 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
  • Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Task statements
gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights
gaisi-index (relatedness)
Scores
Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment
ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

How we score a jobDownload this releaseLook up another job

Using these figures?

Cite this

Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.