As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Line Cook in the United States is $16, which translates to an annual salary of about $33,836.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Line Cook | $33,449 |
| Intermediate Level Line Cook | $34,236 |
| Senior Level Line Cook | $34,717 |
| Specialist Level Line Cook | $34,837 |
| Expert Level Line Cook | $35,037 |
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 Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Line Cook salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,845. While startup companies pay approximate $32,006.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $32,006 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $33,851 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $36,547 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $37,845 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $37,896 | $18.0 | 12% |
| Biotechnology | $37,220 | $18.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $36,543 | $18.0 | 8% |
| Software & Networking | $36,543 | $18.0 | 8% |
| Transportation | $36,205 | $17.0 | 7% |
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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Line 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 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 roles, with salaries approximately 12% above the market median.
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.
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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