Position
Salary

How much does a Line Cook make?

The average salary for a Line Cook is $36,072 per year in the US.

A Line Cook plays a key role in any kitchen. They prepare food quickly and efficiently. They work hard under pressure. The job can be rewarding in more ways than one. The average yearly salary for a Line Cook is about $36,072. This can vary based on experience, location, and the type of restaurant.

Line Cooks often start at the lower end of the salary scale. With time and experience, they can move up. For example, those in the 10th percentile earn around $24,000. Those in the 90th percentile can earn as much as $50,000. A few factors affect this salary range. Location matters a lot. Urban areas tend to pay more. Also, experience and skill level play a big part. The more experienced a Line Cook is, the higher they can earn.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Line Cook?

Looking for a top-paying location as a Line Cook? Cities like Eugene, OR, and Santa Rosa, CA, stand out with competitive wages. These locations offer Line Cooks an average salary that is significantly above the national average, making them attractive for career growth. Eugene, OR, pays the highest average, at $52,247, followed closely by Santa Rosa, CA, with $48,880.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Line Cook jobs, highlighting Eugene, OR with the highest at $52,247 and Boulder, CO with the lowest at $42,018.
  1. Eugene, OR
    Average Salary: $52,247
    In Eugene, chefs prepare meals with a focus on local ingredients. Eugene’s food scene thrives, offering many dining options. Chefs often work in busy environments, ensuring timely and quality service.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Eugene, OR


  2. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $48,880
    Santa Rosa features a vibrant culinary scene. Here, cooks craft dishes that highlight seasonal produce. With various restaurants and cafes, chefs can find diverse opportunities to grow their skills.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $48,229
    Seattle's culinary landscape is rich and diverse. Chefs here create fresh, innovative dishes. The city’s strong seafood culture means a focus on quality ingredients. This city offers many opportunities for skilled cooks.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $45,992
    San Francisco's chefs work in a dynamic culinary environment. The city offers a variety of dining experiences. Cooks often adapt to different styles and flavors. The bustling food scene provides ample opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $45,619
    San Jose boasts a thriving food scene. Chefs here focus on preparing a mix of traditional and modern dishes. The city’s diverse population leads to a variety of culinary influences. Many restaurants offer a chance to showcase cooking talents.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $43,642
    Bend’s culinary scene blends local and modern cuisine. Chefs here emphasize fresh, local ingredients. The city’s growing popularity attracts food enthusiasts. Cooks can find fulfilling roles in various restaurants and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Bend, OR


  7. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $42,896
    Denver’s culinary environment is vibrant and diverse. Chefs here prepare dishes that reflect both local and global influences. The city’s food scene is dynamic, offering many opportunities for growth. Many restaurants value creativity and skill in their kitchens.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Denver, CO


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $42,528
    Los Angeles offers a dynamic culinary experience. Chefs create dishes that reflect the city's diversity. The bustling restaurant scene provides many opportunities. Cooks can find roles in various types of establishments, from casual diners to fine dining restaurants.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $42,209
    Boston’s culinary scene is rich with tradition and innovation. Chefs here blend classic and modern techniques. The city’s vibrant food culture offers many opportunities. Boston’s diverse dining options provide a platform for culinary excellence.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $42,018
    Boulder's culinary landscape is influenced by its health-conscious community. Chefs create dishes that are fresh and wholesome. The city’s diverse dining options cater to various tastes. Cooks here can thrive in a supportive and innovative environment.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boulder, CO

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

Job seekers looking for high-paying line cook positions can find great opportunities at Fatburger and Nick The Greek. Fatburger offers one of the top salaries in the industry, allowing for substantial earnings. Nick The Greek also provides a competitive wage, making it a strong choice for those in the culinary field. Companies like Flagship Facility Services, Inc., Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, offer solid salaries for line cooks. These employers often provide benefits and career growth opportunities, making them attractive options. Smokey's Bar-B-Que and Willows Lodge also pay well, with salaries above industry averages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Line Cook jobs, highlighting Fatburger with the highest at $135,207 and Smokey's Bar-B-Que with the lowest at $52,727.
  1. Fatburger
    Average Salary: $135,207
    Fatburger offers competitive salaries for Line Cooks. They have a fun, fast-paced environment. Locations include cities across the U.S. and internationally.


  2. Nick The Greek
    Average Salary: $62,000
    Nick The Greek provides a welcoming atmosphere for Line Cooks. They focus on family-friendly service. Locations are spread across the Midwest and Southeast U.S.


  3. Phoenix College
    Average Salary: $61,200
    Phoenix College offers rewarding Line Cook positions. They emphasize training and development. Their kitchens are located in Phoenix, Arizona.


  4. Flagship Facility Services, Inc.
    Average Salary: $56,899
    Flagship Facility Services, Inc. provides Line Cook jobs with good benefits. They manage dining facilities in multiple states across the U.S.


  5. Marriott Vacations Worldwide
    Average Salary: $55,938
    Marriott Vacations Worldwide offers a variety of Line Cook positions. They focus on professional growth. Locations include resorts across the U.S. and globally.


  6. Willows Lodge
    Average Salary: $55,866
    Willows Lodge provides Line Cook roles in a serene setting. They prioritize employee well-being. The lodge is located in New Zealand.


  7. Exact Sciences
    Average Salary: $54,821
    Exact Sciences offers Line Cook positions with good benefits. They focus on innovation and employee support. Their facilities are in Wisconsin and California.


  8. The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel
    Average Salary: $54,277
    The Waterfront Beach Resort offers a dynamic environment for Line Cooks. They provide professional development opportunities. The resort is located in Panama City Beach, Florida.


  9. Fontainebleau Las Vegas
    Average Salary: $53,856
    Fontainebleau Las Vegas offers Line Cook positions in an exciting setting. They emphasize teamwork and customer service. The resort is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.


  10. Smokey's Bar-B-Que
    Average Salary: $52,727
    Smokey's Bar-B-Que provides a family-friendly atmosphere for Line Cooks. They focus on quality service. Locations include several states in the U.S.

How to earn more as a Line Cook?

A line cook has the chance to earn more with the right approach. Increasing your salary and job satisfaction starts with several key factors. By focusing on these areas, a line cook can move up the career ladder and earn a higher salary.

First, gaining experience plays a big role. Working in different kitchens and learning a variety of dishes helps a cook become more valuable. Second, mastering kitchen skills ensures that tasks are done quickly and correctly. Third, taking on extra responsibilities shows leadership and reliability. Fourth, pursuing certifications can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Finally, networking with other professionals can lead to better opportunities. Following these steps can help a line cook earn more and find job satisfaction.

Consider these factors for professional growth:

  • Gain experience by working in various kitchens.
  • Master kitchen skills to work faster and better.
  • Take on extra responsibilities to show leadership.
  • Pursue certifications to enhance your qualifications.
  • Network with other professionals to find new opportunities.

Currently 10,773 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
10,773 Job Openings