As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Line Cook/Prep Cook in the United States is $33,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Line Cook/Prep Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Line Cook/Prep Cook's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Line Cook/Prep Cook's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Line Cook/Prep Cook | $33,506 |
| Intermediate Level Line Cook/Prep Cook | $34,303 |
| Senior Level Line Cook/Prep Cook | $34,787 |
| Specialist Level Line Cook/Prep Cook | $34,907 |
| Expert Level Line Cook/Prep Cook | $35,109 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Line Cook/Prep Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Line Cook/Prep Cook salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,949. While startup companies pay approximate $32,104.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $32,104 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $33,954 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $36,647 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $37,949 |
For Line Cook/Prep Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 12% above the average. In contrast, Line Cook/Prep Cook positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Line Cook/Prep Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $37,968 | $18.0 | 12% |
| Biotechnology | $37,290 | $18.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $36,612 | $18.0 | 8% |
| Software & Networking | $36,612 | $18.0 | 8% |
| Transportation | $36,273 | $17.0 | 7% |
Understanding how a Line Cook/Prep Cook's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Line Cook/Prep Cook, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Banquet Chef | $59,200 | 75% |
| Facility Cook/Menu Planner | $37,970 | 12% |
| Senior Line Cook/Prep Cook | $37,970 | 12% |
| Cook's Helper, Senior | $38,700 | 14% |
Salaries for a Line Cook/Prep Cook can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $33,155 in 2023 to around $32,395 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Line Cook/Prep Cook salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $33,155 |
| 2024 | $33,018 |
| 2025 | $32,395 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Line Cook/Prep Cook roles, with salaries approximately 12% above the market median.
Line cooks on cruise ships typically earn between $33,900 and $41,800 annually. The average salary for this position is around $37,100. Factors such as experience, the cruise line, and specific job responsibilities can influence these figures.
Panera pays line cooks an annual salary ranging from $33,900 to $41,800, with a mid-range salary of $37,100. While some cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale offer salaries around $41,789 and $41,761 respectively, the overall pay for line cooks at Panera falls within this range.
The highest-paying cook jobs typically include positions like Chief Cook, with salaries around $56,500, and Grinding Supervisor, earning between $50,000 and $70,000. For Line Cooks and Prep Cooks, salaries range from $33,900 to $41,800, with a mid-salary of $37,100. These roles offer competitive pay within the culinary field.
As of January 16, 2025, the salary for a Line Cook at Texas Roadhouse ranges from $33,900 to $41,800 annually, with a median salary of $37,100. This translates to approximately $16.27 to $20.08 per hour, or about $653 to $805 per week.
Line cooks typically earn more than prep cooks due to their greater experience and responsibilities. The salary range for line cooks is approximately $33,900 to $41,800, with a median salary of $37,100. Prep cooks usually start at a lower salary, making the transition to line cook a common career advancement for them.
The highest salary for a line cook is approximately $41,800 annually. Salaries can vary by location, with cities like New York and Los Angeles offering competitive hourly rates, often translating to higher annual earnings. The salary range for line cooks typically falls between $33,900 and $41,800, depending on experience and location.
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