Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 10/7/2026
AI Resilience Score for Fast Food/Counter Worker:
48.3%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
Med
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
High
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Low
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
There are a reasonable number of sources for this result, but there is some disagreement between them.
AI Resilience Report forFast Food and Counter Workers
$31,200 median salary•827,400 annual openings•SOC Code: 35-3023.00
Fast Food and Counter Workers are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 7 sources.
Fast food and counter work is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because the most repetitive parts of the job, like taking orders and processing payments, are already being automated through kiosks and voice AI at major chains. However, a big chunk of the actual work, including food prep, cleaning, and handling tricky customer situations, is much harder for machines to do well, with automation scores as low as 12 to 15 percent for those tasks.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
Fast food and counter work is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because the most repetitive parts of the job, like taking orders and processing payments, are already being automated through kiosks and voice AI at major chains. However, a big chunk of the actual work, including food prep, cleaning, and handling tricky customer situations, is much harder for machines to do well, with automation scores as low as 12 to 15 percent for those tasks.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Fast Food/Counter Worker
Updated quarterly
How can Fast Food/Counter Worker prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Fast Food/Counter Worker
As fast food chains adopt AI technology, such as chatbots for drive-thru orders, students entering this field should consider how automation will impact their roles. For instance, California's rising minimum wage has spurred restaurants to implement more AI systems, potentially leading to fewer job opportunities. However, workers can focus on developing interpersonal skills and adaptability, which are harder for machines to replicate. Understanding these trends can help future employees navigate their careers and find ways to coexist with technology in the fast food industry.
Do you want AI with that? Chatbots could take your next order at the drive-thru
www.cbc.ca • 6/23/2026
Across the United States, fast food chains are turning to AI to run their drive-thru counters - and Canada could be next.
Will drive-thru AI chatbots take jobs? | News
www.fox13memphis.com • 4/17/2026
A robot may soon take your Blizzard order at Dairy Queens across the country. The fast-food chain has become the latest to adopt AI chatbot...
Opinion | California's $20 fast food wage yields higher prices, fewer jobs, more automation
calmatters.org • 3/19/2026
UC - Santa Cruz found fewer jobs and worker hours, but more order kiosks, mobile apps and AI drive-through ordering systems at CA eateries.
Democrats demand ‘robot tax’ as AI reportedly threatens to replace 100M US jobs
www.foxbusiness.com • 10/6/2025
Fast food workers face 89% job loss rate as 15 workforce sectors could see majority of positions automated.
Fast food operators rushing to use AI in the wake of minimum wage hikes
www.latimes.com • 5/1/2024
In the wake of the new $20 minimum wage for industry workers, quick-service restaurants in California are accelerating and expanding their...
More Career Info
Career: Fast Food and Counter Workers
They prepare and serve food quickly, take orders, handle payments, and ensure customers have a good dining experience.
Parent Careers
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$31,200
Jobs (2025)
3,855,900
Growth (2025-35)
+5.8%
Annual Openings
827,400
Education
No formal educational credential
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Scrub and polish counters, steam tables, and other equipment, and clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.
2
Clean and organize eating, service, and kitchen areas.
3
Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.
4
Perform personnel activities, such as supervising and training employees.
5
Collect and return dirty dishes to the kitchen for washing.
6
Serve food, beverages, or desserts to customers in such settings as take-out counters of restaurants or lunchrooms, business or industrial establishments, hotel rooms, and cars.
7
Set up dining areas for meals, and clear them following meals.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
