Explore Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

Explore Careers

Explore Professions

Best Companies

Explore Companies

Best Jobs For Former Cooks [2026]

By Chris Kolmar
Jul. 13, 2022
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

Best Jobs for Former Cooks in 2026

Transitioning from a cooking career can be challenging, especially as the culinary industry continues to evolve. Many former cooks are reassessing their career paths, leading to a shift in the job market dynamics. With fewer individuals entering the culinary profession, it’s essential to explore what opportunities await those leaving the kitchen.

Curious about where former cooks have found new roles, we analyzed resumes from thousands of individuals who transitioned out of cooking. We identified the top 100 jobs they moved into, focusing on those that reflect current market trends and provide viable career alternatives.

Top Careers for Former Cooks

  1. Chef Jobs

  2. Sous Chef Jobs

  3. Executive Chef Jobs

  4. Kitchen Manager Jobs

  5. Production Worker Jobs

  6. Package Handler Jobs

  7. Assembler Jobs

  8. Operator Jobs

  9. Stocker Jobs

  10. Baker Jobs

While some of these roles may be more appealing than others, they all present unique opportunities for growth and development in a new career landscape.

Detailed Ranking of Common Jobs for Former Cooks

Rank Job Title %
1 Cashier 2.56%
2 Sales Associate 2.19%
3 Customer Service Representative 1.93%
4 Line Cook 1.61%
5 Assistant Manager 1.16%
6 Machine Operator 1.16%
7 Manager 1.09%
8 Server 1.09%
9 Prep Cook 1.04%
10 Chef 0.97%
11 Sous Chef 0.86%
12 Crew Member 0.81%
13 Driver 0.76%
14 Executive Chef 0.76%
15 Security Officer 0.74%
16 Internship 0.67%
17 Supervisor 0.62%
18 Delivery Driver 0.62%
19 Forklift Operator 0.57%
20 Sales Representative 0.57%
21 Warehouse Worker 0.56%
22 Kitchen Manager 0.53%
23 Production Worker 0.5%
24 Warehouse Associate 0.49%
25 Material Handler 0.48%
26 Technician 0.46%
27 Welder 0.46%
28 Customer Service Trainer 0.46%
29 Associate 0.44%
30 Package Handler 0.41%
31 Grill Cook 0.39%
32 Administrative Assistant 0.37%
33 Lead Cook 0.37%
34 Owner 0.37%
35 Certified Nursing Assistant 0.37%
36 Assembler 0.36%
37 Volunteer 0.34%
38 Operator 0.33%
39 Stocker 0.33%
40 Head Cook 0.32%
41 Team Leader 0.31%
42 Cook, Cashier, And Waitress 0.31%
43 Baker 0.3%
44 General Manager 0.29%
45 Picker 0.29%
46 Waitress 0.28%
47 Home Health Aid 0.27%
48 Dietary Aide 0.25%
49 Security Guard 0.25%
50 Shift Manager 0.25%
51 Food Service Worker 0.25%
52 Maintenance Technician 0.25%
53 Packer 0.25%
54 Custodian 0.25%
55 Ship Worker 0.25%
56 Janitor 0.25%
57 Housekeeper 0.25%
58 Cleaner 0.25%
59 Helper 0.24%
60 Teacher 0.24%
61 Assembly Line Worker 0.24%
62 Customer Service Associate 0.24%
63 Specialist 0.24%
64 Owner/operator 0.24%
65 Food Prep 0.24%
66 Manufacturing Team Member 0.23%
67 Store Manager 0.23%
68 Cook/Dishwasher 0.23%
69 Shift Leader 0.23%
70 Installer 0.22%
71 Cook/Server 0.22%
72 Farm Hand 0.2%
73 Merchandiser 0.2%
74 Line Cook, Prep Cook 0.2%
75 Mechanic 0.2%
76 Truck Driver 0.2%
77 Barista 0.2%
78 Chef Manager 0.2%
79 Overnight Stocker 0.19%
80 Office Assistant 0.18%
81 Service Technician 0.18%
82 Pharmacist Technician 0.18%
83 Kitchen Supervisor 0.18%
84 Food Service Director 0.18%
85 Maintenance Worker 0.18%
86 Order Selector 0.18%
87 Cook Supervisor 0.18%
88 Bartender 0.17%
89 Sorter 0.17%
90 Stock Clerk 0.17%
91 Clerk 0.17%
92 Sales Consultant 0.17%
93 Picker and Packer 0.17%
94 Painter 0.17%
95 Office Manager 0.16%
96 Correction Officer 0.16%
97 Substitute Teacher 0.16%
98 Press Operator 0.16%
99 Landscaper 0.16%
100 Helper/Driver 0.15%

Most Common Jobs for Former Cooks

  1. Cashier

  2. Sales Associate

  3. Customer Service Representative

  4. Line Cook

  5. Assistant Manager

  6. Machine Operator

  7. Manager

  8. Server

  9. Prep Cook

  10. Chef

These roles not only leverage the skills acquired in the culinary field but also serve as effective stepping stones toward diverse career paths.

How We Determined the Best Jobs for Former Cooks

Using data from our extensive resume database, we analyzed over 7 million submissions to identify individuals who previously listed cooking as their profession. We tracked their subsequent employment and ranked the jobs that appeared most frequently in their work histories.

To curate a list of unique and interesting job options, we focused on roles that emerged in less than 1% of new job listings and were not included in the top 100 common jobs from our dataset.

In summary, the job market for former cooks in 2026 is diverse and evolving. Exploring new career paths can lead to fulfilling opportunities that utilize the skills and experiences gained in the kitchen.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Responsive Image

Related posts