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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Line Cook in Kentucky is $35,259 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Lead Line Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Line Cook Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $39,110 | $3,259 | $752 | $19 |
| Average | $35,259 | $2,938 | $678 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,311 | $2,609 | $602 | $15 |
American Cruise Lines - Grand Rivers, KY
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White Lodging - Louisville, KY
Eternal Optimist - Louisville, KY
A Lead 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 Lead 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 Lead Line Cook | $34,875 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Line Cook | $35,149 |
| Senior Level Lead Line Cook | $35,698 |
| Specialist Level Lead Line Cook | $36,514 |
| Expert Level Lead Line Cook | $37,626 |
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 Lead Line Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Lead Line Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Lead Line Cook positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Line Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $45,837 | $22.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $44,074 | $21.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $42,311 | $20.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $40,548 | $19.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $38,785 | $19.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $39,110 | $3,259 | $752 | $19 |
| Average | $35,259 | $2,938 | $678 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,311 | $2,609 | $602 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Line Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
White Lodging
Louisville, KY
White Lodging | Louisville, KY
Lead Line Cook. White Lodging is hiring a Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team. This is a kitchen leadership role designed for an experienced line cook... more
4 Days Ago
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Hazard, KY
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London, KY
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Newport, KY
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Lexington, KY
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Ashland, KY
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