Line Cook Salaries

Working as a line cook can be a rewarding career choice, offering a variety of experiences in a fast-paced kitchen environment. The average yearly salary for line cooks is around $34,579. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of restaurant.

Entry-level positions may start at approximately $24,000, while more experienced line cooks can earn up to $47,000 annually. In fact, about 15.9% of line cooks make around $30,273, while 15.7% earn about $32,364. Experience in the kitchen often leads to higher pay, as skills and efficiency improve.

The job market for line cooks is generally strong, and many find opportunities to advance to higher positions, like sous chef or head chef, which can lead to even better salaries. Overall, a career as a line cook can offer a stable income along with potential for growth in the culinary field.

1. San Francisco, CA
   Average Salary: $45,318
   Working in San Francisco offers a vibrant culinary scene. You may find opportunities in well-known establishments like Zuni Cafe or House of Prime Rib, where creativity and precision are key.
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2. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $45,049
   Seattle prides itself on fresh ingredients and diverse cuisine. Line cooks can thrive at restaurants like Canlis and Pike Place Market eateries, mastering the art of local flavors.
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3. Santa Rosa, CA
   Average Salary: $41,855
   In Santa Rosa, the focus on local farms enhances the cooking experience. Join the teams at popular spots like The Spinster Sisters and embrace farm-to-table cooking.
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4. San Jose, CA
   Average Salary: $41,849
   San Jose's diverse community reflects in its food scene. Work in bustling kitchens, from trendy bistros to family-run eateries, and create meals that resonate with various cultures.
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5. Boulder, CO
   Average Salary: $41,722
   Boulder's emphasis on health and sustainability shapes the culinary landscape. You can work at restaurants like Frasca Food and Wine, focusing on fresh and organic ingredients.
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6. Denver, CO
   Average Salary: $40,874
   Denver's booming food scene offers endless opportunities. As a line cook, you could prepare dishes in popular spots like Mercantile Dining & Provision and experiment with modern cooking techniques.
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7. Boston, MA
   Average Salary: $40,840
   Boston's rich history is mirrored in its food culture. Join renowned kitchens like Legal Sea Foods and embrace tradition while creating modern culinary masterpieces.
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8. Bend, OR
   Average Salary: $40,364
   Bend's outdoor lifestyle influences its dining experience. Work at restaurants like 10 Barrel Brewing Co., where you'll create hearty dishes for an active community.
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9. Los Angeles, CA
   Average Salary: $40,222
   Los Angeles offers a melting pot of cuisine styles. As a cook, you can work at iconic locations like In-N-Out Burger or fine dining restaurants while learning from top chefs.
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10. Greeley, CO
    Average Salary: $39,840
    Greeley boasts a friendly food scene that welcomes culinary talent. Collaborate in local favorites and grow your skills in preparing comforting, home-style dishes.
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1. Lakefield Veterinary Group
   Average Salary: $200,000
   Lakefield Veterinary Group offers competitive salaries for Line Cooks. They focus on providing high-quality meals for clients and their pets. The company operates in various locations across the country.
   




2. U.S. Government
   Average Salary: $66,000
   The U.S. Government employs Line Cooks in several federal facilities. These positions provide a stable salary and great benefits while serving food in locations such as military bases and government buildings.
   




3. Apple
   Average Salary: $61,020
   Apple offers excellent pay for Line Cooks in their corporate cafeterias. These positions provide a creative environment for those passionate about cooking. Most Apple campuses across the U.S. hire talented Line Cooks.
   




4. Marriott Vacations Worldwide
   Average Salary: $56,063
   Marriott Vacations Worldwide provides Line Cooks with opportunities to work in vibrant vacation settings. They hire in their resorts and hotels, making it an appealing place to work for culinary professionals.
   




5. Cavallo Point
   Average Salary: $54,659
   Cavallo Point offers a beautiful location for Line Cooks to work. Situated near the Golden Gate Bridge, this luxury resort emphasizes culinary excellence. The team focuses on locally sourced ingredients.
   




6. Kaiser Permanente
   Average Salary: $52,309
   Kaiser Permanente values health in every aspect, including their meals. Line Cooks here enjoy preparing nutritious options in various health facility kitchens throughout the country.
   




7. 1 Hotels
   Average Salary: $51,436
   1 Hotels promotes sustainable cooking practices, which Line Cooks find rewarding. They work in stunning locations like Miami and Brooklyn, focusing on farm-to-table dining.
   




8. STAYPINEAPPLE
   Average Salary: $50,155
   STAYPINEAPPLE offers a fun and casual environment for Line Cooks in trendy hotel locations. They create delicious meals for guests in cities across the United States.
   




9. Four Seasons
   Average Salary: $49,987
   Four Seasons Hotels provide an exceptional work experience for Line Cooks. These positions focus on luxury dining experiences in prestigious hotels around the world.
   




10. Tavolàta
    Average Salary: $49,091
    Tavolàta specializes in Italian cuisine and values skilled Line Cooks. They operate in urban areas and emphasize teamwork and creativity in their kitchens.
    

As a line cook, you have many opportunities to increase your earnings. By taking the right steps, you can enhance your skills and become more valuable in the kitchen. Here are five factors that can help you earn more:

• Expand Your Skills: Take on new cooking methods or cuisines. Attend workshops or culinary classes to learn. The more skills you have, the more you can demand in salary.
• Gain Experience: Work in different types of restaurants. Experience in fine dining, catering, or high-volume kitchens can lead to better-paying positions.
• Seek Promotions: Aim for higher positions like sous chef or kitchen manager. These roles usually offer higher pay and more responsibilities.
• Network with Industry Professionals: Build relationships with chefs and industry leaders. Networking can open doors to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
• Consider Location: Look for jobs in areas with a higher cost of living. Restaurants in busy cities or tourist hotspots often pay more to attract skilled cooks.