Cook

Cook

Cooks prepare and cook food in restaurants, cafes and other hospitality places.

Also known as

Second cook, restaurant cook, fry cook, takeaways cook, cafe cook, trainee cook

AUT programmes

Work environment

  • Usually work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
  • Usually work in restaurants, cafes and commercial kitchens
  • May work in hot and noisy conditions
  • May do physically demanding work
  • Need to be methodical, work well under pressure and work well in a team

Typical tasks

  • Cook food quickly and efficiently
  • Prepare raw ingredients
  • Arrange food on plates or wrap takeaways
  • Create new recipes and plan menus
  • Decide prices for menu items
  • Order food supplies
  • Organise deliveries
  • Restock shelves and fridges
  • Give instructions and demonstrate cooking methods

Salary information

$50K-$84K
LowerMost commonUpper
$50K$50K-$67K$84K

Tips from AUT graduates

Outlook

What employers and industry want in graduates

Further study options