Line Cook Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Line Cook make?

The average salary for a Line Cook is $35,044 per year in the US.

A Line Cook plays a vital role in the kitchen, preparing meals quickly and efficiently. The salary for this position can vary based on experience and location. On average, a Line Cook earns around $35,000 per year. This figure can change depending on the type of restaurant and the area where it is located.

Factors that can influence a Line Cook's salary include:

  • Experience: More experienced cooks often earn higher wages.
  • Location: Urban areas with a higher cost of living may offer higher salaries.
  • Type of Restaurant: Fine dining establishments may pay more than casual dining spots.

Overall, being a Line Cook offers a stable career with opportunities for growth and earning potential.

View Line Cook jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Line Cook?

Job seekers looking for high-paying Line Cook positions should consider cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and San Jose. These cities offer some of the best salaries for Line Cooks, with average annual wages above $40,000. Aspiring cooks can find excellent opportunities in these locations, where they can earn a competitive salary.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Line Cook jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $45,327 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $39,615.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $45,327
    San Francisco offers a vibrant culinary scene with many high-end restaurants. Cooks here work in fast-paced kitchens, preparing fresh dishes for discerning diners. Companies like Fog Harbor Fish House and The Slanted Door provide excellent opportunities.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $45,249
    In Seattle, the food scene is diverse and innovative. Cooks enjoy a variety of cuisines and work in both casual and upscale settings. Restaurants like Canlis and The Pink Door are known for their quality and creativity.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $42,103
    San Jose has a growing food industry with many tech companies needing catering. Cooks here balance quick service with high-quality meals. Companies like Firehouse Subs and The Cheesecake Factory offer diverse experiences.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $42,102
    Santa Rosa offers a relaxed yet professional kitchen environment. Cooks work in both family-owned restaurants and larger establishments. Notable places include The Mustard Seed and The Redwoods Restaurant.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $41,665
    Boulder's kitchens emphasize fresh, local ingredients. Cooks here enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Restaurants like The Laughing Goat and The County Seat provide a welcoming atmosphere.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boulder, CO


  6. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $41,017
    Denver's culinary scene is dynamic and growing. Cooks work in a variety of settings, from casual diners to fine dining. Restaurants like The Kitchen and The Southern Grist Brewing Company are popular employers.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Denver, CO


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $40,845
    Boston offers a rich culinary history with many traditional and modern restaurants. Cooks here enjoy a mix of classic and innovative dishes. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and O Ya serve diverse menus.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $40,569
    Bend's kitchens focus on fresh, local produce. Cooks enjoy a laid-back environment with a strong community feel. Restaurants like The Old Spaghetti Factory and The Old Town Deli are well-regarded.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Bend, OR


  9. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $40,316
    Los Angeles has a diverse and bustling food scene. Cooks here work in a variety of settings, from trendy spots to classic diners. Restaurants like Gjelina and The Crafted Carrier offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $39,615
    San Diego offers a vibrant food scene with many waterfront restaurants. Cooks here enjoy a mix of coastal and international cuisines. Companies like The Fish Market and The Cottage La Jolla provide dynamic work environments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best companies a Line Cook can work for?

Line Cook jobs offer good pay, and some companies stand out for their competitive salaries. U.S. Government, Apple, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide lead the way, offering annual salaries above $50,000. These companies value their kitchen staff and provide attractive compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Line Cook jobs, highlighting U.S. Government with the highest at $66,000 and Fontainebleau Las Vegas with the lowest at $49,964.
  1. 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 across the country. Working for the government can provide job stability and benefits.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $61,721
    Apple provides a dynamic environment for Line Cooks, with positions available in its corporate cafeterias and retail stores nationwide. Employees enjoy a collaborative atmosphere and opportunities for growth within the company.


  3. Marriott Vacations Worldwide
    Average Salary: $58,608
    Marriott Vacations Worldwide offers rewarding Line Cook jobs in its resorts and hotels across the United States. This company values teamwork and offers a chance to work in beautiful, high-traffic locations.


  4. Cavallo Point
    Average Salary: $54,514
    Cavallo Point, located in Sausalito, California, offers Line Cook positions with a focus on high-quality cuisine. The company provides a serene work environment with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.


  5. 1 Hotels
    Average Salary: $53,289
    1 Hotels offers Line Cook positions in its luxury hotels across the United States. Employees enjoy a vibrant and creative atmosphere, working in some of the most stylish locations.


  6. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $52,848
    Kaiser Permanente provides Line Cook jobs in its medical facilities and corporate offices across the country. The company offers a supportive environment and opportunities for career advancement.


  7. Four Seasons
    Average Salary: $52,596
    Four Seasons offers Line Cook positions in its luxury hotels worldwide. Employees enjoy a prestigious work environment and the chance to work in some of the most exclusive locations.


  8. STAYPINEAPPLE
    Average Salary: $50,871
    STAYPINEAPPLE offers Line Cook positions in its boutique hotels in the United States. The company provides a fun and energetic atmosphere, with opportunities to grow in a creative environment.


  9. swipejobs
    Average Salary: $50,357
    swipejobs connects job seekers with a variety of Line Cook positions across the country. This platform offers flexibility and the chance to work with different companies in various locations.


  10. Fontainebleau Las Vegas
    Average Salary: $49,964
    Fontainebleau Las Vegas offers Line Cook positions in its luxury hotel and casino. Employees enjoy a vibrant and fast-paced atmosphere, working in one of the most exciting locations in the world.

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 build skills and confidence. This experience often translates into higher pay and more responsibilities.

Second, obtaining certifications can boost a Line Cook's resume. Certifications such as ServSafe Food Protection Manager show dedication to food safety and quality. These credentials can make a job seeker more attractive to employers. Third, mastering a variety of cooking techniques can set a Line Cook apart. Being able to cook different types of cuisines and dishes can increase value to a kitchen. Fourth, developing strong communication skills helps in working well with the team. Clear and effective communication can improve efficiency and reduce errors. Lastly, showing a willingness to take on additional tasks can lead to more opportunities. This might include helping with kitchen management or training new staff. These efforts can lead to promotions and higher pay.

Consider these factors to increase earning potential:

  1. Gain experience in high-volume kitchens
  2. Obtain relevant certifications
  3. Master a variety of cooking techniques
  4. Develop strong communication skills
  5. Show willingness to take on additional tasks

Currently 18,580 Line Cook job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Line Cook in the US?

Learn what a Line Cook does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Line Cook today.
Position
Overview
Line Cook
18,580 Job Openings