Food ServiceO*NET: 35-2021.00
Will AI Replace Food Preparation Workers?
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
78out of 100
High Risk
AI Risk Score
78/100
Risk Level
High
Job Zone
2/5
Entry
Total Tasks Analyzed
24
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
- ▸Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
- ▸Stir and strain soups and sauces.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (1)
- Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
👤Requires Humans (3)
- Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
- Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
- Stir and strain soups and sauces.
⚡AI-Assisted (20)
- Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
- Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
- Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
- Weigh or measure ingredients.
- Vacuum dining area and sweep and mop kitchen floor.
- Inform supervisors when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items.
- Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures.
Key Skills Analysis
Active Listening
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Service OrientationAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Time ManagementAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 2.88/5.00
CoordinationAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.75/5.00
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.62/5.00
Social PerceptivenessAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.62/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 2.50/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.38/5.00
Quality Control AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.12/5.00
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.00/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.00/5.00
Learning Strategies
Importance: 2.00/5.00
PersuasionAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.00/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Food Preparation Workers have a high risk of AI replacement with a score of 78/100. Many routine tasks in this role can be automated, but human oversight remains important.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research