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Line Cook Salary in the United States

How much does a Line Cook make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Line Cook in the United States is $33,835 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.

However, a Line Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $38,961
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $31,676 to $36,518
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $29,710
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
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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

Line Cook Salary Growth & Career Path

Line Cook

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Line 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
Chef $59,111 75%
Cook II $37,682 11%
Cook - Institution $37,964 12%
Senior Line Cook $38,966 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. Where can a Line Cook earn the most?

A Line Cook's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Line Cook earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Line Cook is $42,676.

2. What is the highest pay for Line Cook?

The highest pay for Line Cook is $38,961.

3. What is the lowest pay for Line Cook?

The lowest pay for Line Cook is $29,710.

4. 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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Line Cook?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Line Cook roles, with salaries approximately 12% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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