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Hourly Wage for Line Cook Salary in the United States

How much does a Line Cook make hourly?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Line Cook in the United States is $16, which translates to an annual salary of about $33,835.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $19 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $15 to $18 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $14 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Line Cook Salaries

A Line 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.

How Experience Level Affects Line Cook Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Line 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $33,448
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $34,235
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $34,716
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $34,836
  • Expert (over 8 years): $35,036
Levels Salary
Entry Level Line Cook$33,448
Intermediate Level Line Cook$34,235
Senior Level Line Cook$34,716
Specialist Level Line Cook$34,836
Expert Level Line Cook$35,036
View as Graph

How Do Line Cook Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $37,462.
  • California: $37,320.
  • Massachusetts: $36,823.

Top Paying Cities for Line Cooks

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $42,676
  • San Francisco: $42,209
  • Oakland: $41,319

Line Cook Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Line Cook salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,812. While startup companies pay approximate $31,985.

Line Cook Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $31,985
Growth Stage 51~500 $33,827
Established 501~5000 $36,512
Enterprise 5000+ $37,812

Line Cook Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Line 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 positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Line Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Line Cook

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$37,895$18.012%
Biotechnology$37,218$18.010%
Energy & Utilities$36,542$18.08%
Software & Networking$36,542$18.08%
Transportation$36,203$17.07%

Line Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Line 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 September 01, 2026
$31,676
Average $33,835/year
$36,518
$2,640
Average $2,820/month
$3,043
$609
Average $651/week
$702
$15
Average $16/hour
$18
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $36,518 $3,043 $702 $18
Average $33,835 $2,820 $651 $16
25th Percentile $31,676 $2,640 $609 $15

Most common benefits for Line Cook

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Line Cook

Here are companies hiring for Line Cook and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Line Cook

1. What are the responsibilities of Line Cook?

Prepares menu dishes following established recipes and using designated ingredients that meet production and quality standards as part of a cooking line. Follows all portion and presentation specifications and proper preparation methods. Sets up and stocks workstation with all necessary supplies. Coordinates with other line cooks to ensure meals are delivered consistently and on time. Responsible for operating and maintaining a single workstation. May prepare sauces or garnishes. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a sous chef or executive chef. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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