How much does a Line Cook make?
A Line Cook plays a vital role in the kitchen, preparing meals quickly and efficiently. The average yearly salary for a Line Cook stands at $35,132. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of restaurant. For instance, a Line Cook in a busy city might earn more than one in a smaller town.
The salary range for Line Cooks can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn around $23,000, while the top 10% can make over $48,000. This range shows that with more experience and skill, a Line Cook can see significant increases in their earnings. Many Line Cooks also have opportunities for tips, which can add to their overall income.
What are the highest paying cities for a Line Cook?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $46,175
In Seattle, culinary excellence thrives. With a vibrant food scene, chefs work in high-energy kitchens. Notable places like The Pink Door and Canlis offer exciting opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $45,737
San Francisco's diverse food culture makes it a great place for cooks. The city's many restaurants and cafes provide a dynamic work environment. Chefs here enjoy a mix of traditional and innovative cuisine.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $43,256
San Jose offers a bustling culinary landscape. With a growing tech industry, there are many food options. Working in places like The Farm at 1800 or The French Laundry can be very rewarding.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $43,220
Santa Rosa's food scene is on the rise. The city's wineries and farms provide fresh ingredients. Chefs here enjoy a mix of local and modern dishes. Restaurants like Farmstead at Bennett Valley offer great opportunities.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $41,474
Boston's rich culinary history offers many opportunities. The city's diverse food scene includes classic and modern cuisine. Working in places like Legal Sea Foods or O Ya can be very fulfilling.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $41,461
Denver's food scene is vibrant and growing. The city's diverse offerings include farm-to-table and international cuisine. Working in places like The Kitchen or The Southern Cross can be exciting.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $41,361
Bend offers a unique culinary experience. The city's focus on fresh, local ingredients is prominent. Working in places like The Old Fashioned or The Source can be very rewarding.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $41,323
Boulder's food scene is health-focused and innovative. The city's many organic farms provide fresh ingredients. Working in places like The Laughing Seed or The Farm at 1800 can be very fulfilling.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $40,767
Los Angeles offers a diverse and dynamic food scene. The city's many restaurants and food trucks provide a variety of opportunities. Working in places like Gjelina or The Little Next Door can be very exciting.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $40,136
San Diego's food scene is vibrant and diverse. The city's many restaurants and food trucks offer a variety of opportunities. Working in places like The Mission or The Fish Market can be very rewarding.
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What are the best companies a Line Cook can work for?

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U.S. Government
Average Salary: $66,000
The U.S. Government offers competitive salaries for Line Cook positions. These roles are available in various locations, including federal buildings and military bases. Employees enjoy benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
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Apple
Average Salary: $61,215
Apple provides a dynamic environment for Line Cooks. Positions are available in their corporate cafeterias and retail stores across the United States. Apple values its employees and offers a range of benefits.
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Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Average Salary: $60,356
Marriott Vacations Worldwide offers rewarding Line Cook jobs. These roles are available in their resorts and hotels nationwide. Employees benefit from career growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.
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swipejobs
Average Salary: $55,139
swipejobs connects Line Cooks with various employers. Positions are available in restaurants, hotels, and cafes across the country. swipejobs offers flexibility and a chance to work in diverse settings.
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Cavallo Point
Average Salary: $54,468
Cavallo Point offers a prestigious environment for Line Cooks. Positions are available in their luxury hotel and restaurant in Sausalito, California. Employees enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and excellent benefits.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $53,625
Kaiser Permanente provides stable Line Cook jobs. These positions are available in their medical facilities and cafeterias across the United States. Employees benefit from comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans.
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1 Hotels
Average Salary: $52,256
1 Hotels offers exciting Line Cook jobs. Positions are available in their luxury hotels and restaurants nationwide. Employees enjoy a dynamic work environment and opportunities for career advancement.
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Mohegan Sun
Average Salary: $52,171
Mohegan Sun provides competitive salaries for Line Cooks. Positions are available in their casinos and restaurants in Connecticut. Employees benefit from a vibrant atmosphere and various perks.
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Four Seasons
Average Salary: $52,087
Four Seasons offers prestigious Line Cook jobs. Positions are available in their luxury hotels and restaurants worldwide. Employees enjoy a high-end work environment and excellent benefits.
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The Waterfront Beach Resort
Average Salary: $51,902
The Waterfront Beach Resort offers rewarding Line Cook jobs. Positions are available in their resort and restaurant in California. Employees benefit from a beautiful work setting and a range of benefits.
How to earn more as a Line Cook?
Aspiring Line Cooks can enhance their earning potential by focusing on several key factors. First, gaining experience in high-volume kitchens can lead to better job opportunities. Working in busy restaurants helps cooks develop quick, efficient skills. This experience makes them more valuable to employers.
Second, obtaining certifications in culinary arts can boost earning potential. Certifications from recognized institutions show dedication to the craft. They also demonstrate a higher level of skill and knowledge. Third, mastering a wide range of cooking techniques can set a cook apart. Being able to handle various tasks quickly and accurately is highly valued. Fourth, developing strong teamwork skills can lead to promotions. Working well with others ensures a smooth operation in the kitchen. Lastly, seeking out positions in higher-end restaurants can lead to higher pay. These establishments often offer better wages and benefits.
By focusing on these factors, Line Cooks can increase their chances of earning more. Each step taken towards improvement can open new doors and opportunities in the culinary industry.
- Gain experience in high-volume kitchens.
- Obtain certifications in culinary arts.
- Master a wide range of cooking techniques.
- Develop strong teamwork skills.
- Seek positions in higher-end restaurants.