ISCO-08 5246
Food service counter attendants
11.6%
ADI · 347th of 433 · 95% interval 4.0–20.6
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 11.6% of the task time of food service counter attendants, and finish 0.0% alone. Most of the rest requires physical presence.
ADI · partial or full11.6%
347th of 433 · interval 4.0–20.6
ADI3 · full delegation0.0%
201st of 433 · interval 0.0–0.0
ADIs · share of time13.5%
375th of 433 · interval 9.4–18.2
Evidence69
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 19.0 million.
Task weight by level
How the tasks rate
L0No meaningful role · 68.0%L1Augmentation · 20.4%L2Partial delegation · 11.6%L3Full delegation · 0.0%
Barriers
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
69 task statements, heaviest first
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receive and process customer payments.Baristas | 2.9% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 2 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Prepare or serve hot or cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, or teas.Baristas | 2.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Take customer orders and convey them to other employees for preparation.Baristas | 2.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 2 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Describe menu items to customers, or suggest products that might appeal to them.Baristas | 2.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 2 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Clean or sanitize work areas, utensils, or equipment.Baristas | 2.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 20 min | Physical presence |
| Clean service or seating areas.Baristas | 2.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 14 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Serve prepared foods, such as muffins, biscotti, or bagels.Baristas | 2.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 2 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Prepare or serve menu items, such as sandwiches or salads.Baristas | 2.3% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 5 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care |
| Stock customer service stations with paper products or beverage preparation items.Baristas | 2.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 12 min | Physical presence |
| Provide customers with product details, such as coffee blend or preparation descriptions.Baristas | 2.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 45% | 4 min | Physical presence, Trust and care |
| Weigh, grind, or pack coffee beans for customers.Baristas | 2.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 3 min | Physical presence |
| Wrap, label, or date food items for sale.Baristas | 2.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 4 min | Physical presence |
| Set up or restock product displays.Baristas | 1.9% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 18 min | Physical presence |
| Take out garbage.Baristas | 1.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 6 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Serve customers in eating places that specialize in fast service and inexpensive carry-out food.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.8% | L1 | L1L1 | 16% | 5 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
Show the other 54 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slice fruits, vegetables, desserts, or meats for use in food service.Baristas | 1.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 15 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Order, receive, or stock supplies or retail products.Baristas | 1.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 38% | 38 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Accept payment from customers, and make change as necessary.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 2 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Request and record customer orders, and compute bills, using cash registers, multi-counting machines, or pencil and paper.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 3 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Communicate with customers regarding orders, comments, and complaints.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 4 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| 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.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 6% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Select food items from serving or storage areas and place them in dishes, on serving trays, or in take-out bags.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 3% | 2 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 35% | 18 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Distribute food to servers.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 1.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 4 min | Physical presence |
| Demonstrate the use of retail equipment, such as espresso machines.Baristas | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 12 min | Physical presence, Trust and care |
| Brew coffee and tea, and fill containers with requested beverages.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 2 min | Physical presence |
| Prepare and serve cold drinks, frozen milk drinks, or desserts, using drink-dispensing, milkshake, or frozen-custard machines.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 3 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Add relishes and garnishes to food orders, according to instructions.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 1.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 1 min | Physical presence |
| Check temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, or heating equipment to ensure proper functioning.Baristas | 1.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 8 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Clean and organize eating, service, and kitchen areas.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Prepare daily food items, and cook simple foods and beverages, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, pizza, or coffee, using proper safety precautions and sanitary measures.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 3% | 8 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 32 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Perform personnel activities, such as supervising and training employees.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 1.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Set up dining areas for meals, and clear them following meals.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 15 min | Physical presence |
| Notify kitchen personnel of shortages or special orders.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 1.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 42% | 2 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Deliver orders to kitchens, and pick up and serve food when it is ready.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.4% | L0 | L1L0 | 8% | 4 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Monitor and order supplies or food items, and restock as necessary to maintain inventory.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 40% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Collect and return dirty dishes to the kitchen for washing.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 8 min | Physical presence |
| Scrub and polish counters, steam tables, and other equipment, and clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 30 min | Physical presence |
| Take customers' orders and write ordered items on tickets, giving ticket stubs to customers when needed to identify filled orders.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 2 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Wrap menu items such as sandwiches, hot entrees, and desserts for serving or for takeout.Fast Food and Counter Workers | 1.3% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 1 min | Physical presence |
| Replenish foods at serving stations.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 1.3% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 12 min | Physical presence |
| Plan, prepare, and deliver meals to individuals with special dietary needs.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 1.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 20% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care |
| Wash dishes, glassware, and silverware after meals.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 1.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 22 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Scrape and stack dirty dishes and carry dishes and other tableware to kitchens for cleaning.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 9 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Serve ice water, coffee, rolls, or butter to patrons.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 3 min | Physical presence, Trust and care |
| Wipe tables or seats with dampened cloths or replace dirty tablecloths.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 0% | 6 min | Physical presence |
| Create signs to advertise store products or events.Baristas | 1.0% | L2 | L2L3 | 72% | 38 min | Physical presence |
| Set tables with clean linens, condiments, or other supplies.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 3% | 9 min | Physical presence |
| Greet and seat customers.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.0% | L0 | L1L0 | 8% | 2 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Fill beverage or ice dispensers.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 8 min | Physical presence |
| Run cash registers.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.0% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Maintain adequate supplies of items, such as clean linens, silverware, glassware, dishes, or trays.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.0% | L1 | L1L1 | 9% | 25 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Carry food, dishes, trays, or silverware from kitchens or supply departments to serving counters.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 10 min | Physical presence |
| Locate items requested by customers.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 4 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Perform serving, cleaning, or stocking duties in establishments, such as cafeterias or dining rooms, to facilitate customer service.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 0.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 2.3 h | Physical presence, Trust and care |
| Clean up spilled food or drink or broken dishes and remove empty bottles and trash.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 0.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 6 min | Physical presence |
| Arrange tables and decorations according to instructions.Fast Food and Counter Workers · supplemental task | 0.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 20 min | Physical presence |
| Carry trays from food counters to tables for cafeteria patrons.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 0.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 0% | 4 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Serve food to customers when waiters or waitresses need assistance.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 8 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Replenish supplies of food or equipment at steam tables or service bars.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers · supplemental task | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 15 min | Physical presence |
| Stock cabinets or serving areas with condiments and refill condiment containers.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 12 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Garnish foods and position them on tables to make them visible and accessible.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers · supplemental task | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 15 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Wash glasses or other serving equipment at bars.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers · supplemental task | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 18 min | Physical presence |
| Clean and polish counters, shelves, walls, furniture, or equipment in food service areas or other areas of restaurants and mop or vacuum floors.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 0.7% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 42 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Carry linens to or from laundry areas.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers · supplemental task | 0.7% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 10 min | Physical presence |
| Slice and pit fruit used to garnish drinks.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers · supplemental task | 0.7% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 6 min | Physical presence |
| Mix and prepare flavors for mixed drinks.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers · supplemental task | 0.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 8 min | Physical presence |
| Stock refrigerating units with wines or bottled beer or replace empty beer kegs.Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers · supplemental task | 0.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 18 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Against other measures
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 11.6% | 20 | |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.08 | 15 | |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | -0.783 | 30 | |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 7 | 3 | |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.014 | 12 | |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0 | 16 |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Same sub-major group (52)
Neighbouring occupations
| Occupation | ADI | % |
|---|---|---|
| Contact centre salespersons 5244 | 100.0 | |
| Shop keepers 5221 | 92.3 | |
| Sales workers not elsewhere classified 5249 | 82.2 | |
| Shop sales assistants 5223 | 55.4 | |
| Shop supervisors 5222 | 54.9 | |
| Sales demonstrators 5242 | 35.8 | |
| Fashion and other models 5241 | 35.4 | |
| Stall and market salespersons 5211 | 32.4 | |
| Door to door salespersons 5243 | 32.4 | |
| Cashiers and ticket clerks 5230 | 25.9 | |
| Service station attendants 5245 | 21.9 | |
| Street food salespersons 5212 | 10.8 |
Dashed line: food service counter attendants (11.6%).
Cite this record
Text
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Food service counter attendants (ISCO-08 5246), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/5246
BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Food service counter attendants (ISCO-08 5246)}
}Machine-readable
The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/5246.json.