As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Line Cook in the United States is $34,560 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Restaurant Line Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Restaurant 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 Restaurant 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 Restaurant Line Cook | $33,964 |
| Intermediate Level Restaurant Line Cook | $34,764 |
| Senior Level Restaurant Line Cook | $35,252 |
| Specialist Level Restaurant Line Cook | $35,374 |
| Expert Level Restaurant Line Cook | $35,577 |
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 Restaurant Line Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Restaurant 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, Restaurant Line Cook positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Restaurant 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 | $38,708 | $19.0 | 12% |
| Biotechnology | $38,016 | $18.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $37,325 | $18.0 | 8% |
| Software & Networking | $37,325 | $18.0 | 8% |
| Transportation | $36,980 | $18.0 | 7% |
Understanding how a Restaurant 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 Restaurant Line Cook can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $33,665 in 2023 to around $32,893 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Restaurant Line Cook salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $33,665 |
| 2024 | $33,526 |
| 2025 | $32,893 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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