Highest-Paying Line Cook Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of line cooks that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of line cooks:

• Head Cook is the highest-paid type of line cook with an average salary of $44,412 and an average hourly rate of $21.35.

• The second highest-paying type of line cook is banquet cook, with an average salary of $34,599.

• The average line cook salary is $32,894 per year, and the average hourly pay is $15.81.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a line cook, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of line cooks are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of line cooks:

1. Head Cook

   Average Salary: $44,412

   A head cook is responsible for organizing the food preparation, organizing the kitchen operations, and ensuring the quality of the food presented. Head cooks’ duties include monitoring the food inventory, creating new recipes, researching current market trends, responding to guests’ inquiries and complaints, distributing kitchen tasks to the staff, and maintaining budget goals while maintaining the highest food quality. A head cook must always adhere to the sanitary procedures and hygienic standards, as well as have a broad knowledge of the food industry.

2. Banquet Cook

   Average Salary: $34,599

3. Line Cook/Dishwasher

   Average Salary: $34,435

   A line cook/dishwasher is primarily in charge of prepping food and maintaining their work station’s cleanliness while adhering to health standards and protocols. Among their duties include washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat according to requirements, preparing sauces, and cooking according to an executive chef’s directives. They also participate in cleaning and sterilizing kitchen tools and equipment, monitoring the inventory of ingredients, unloading stock deliveries, and taking care of leftovers. Additionally, as a line cook/dishwasher, it is essential to maintain an open communication line with fellow kitchen staff for an efficient workflow.

4. Lead Line Cook

   Average Salary: $34,293

   Typically, lead line cooks work under the supervision of a chef or head cook in a kitchen. Leadline cooks oversee the food preparation process from start to end. Their duties include the supervision of kitchen staff, recruitment and training of new kitchen employees, and monitoring of food quality. They comply with the sanitation and nutrition regulations of food as well as their safety standards. They should be knowledgeable and have skills in food preparation, customer service, attention to detail, and communication.

5. Assistant Cook

   Average Salary: $34,244

Below is a full table of the average pay for various line cook that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Line Cooks

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for line cooks.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Line Cook Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid line cook job?

   The highest-paid line cook job is a head cook. Head Cooks earn an average salary of $44,412, which is $ 21.35 hourly.

   A head cook is responsible for organizing the food preparation, organizing the kitchen operations, and ensuring the quality of the food presented. Head cooks’ duties include monitoring the food inventory, creating new recipes, researching current market trends, responding to guests’ inquiries and complaints, distributing kitchen tasks to the staff, and maintaining budget goals while maintaining the highest food quality. A head cook must always adhere to the sanitary procedures and hygienic standards, as well as have a broad knowledge of the food industry.

2. What is a good salary for a line cook?

   A good salary for a line cook is $32,894 or more. The average line cook salary is $32,894, so those making at least $32,894 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average line cook salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a line cook, the average entry level salary is $24,660, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $32,894 average, as this includes all line cooks of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Line Cook jobs pay well?

   No, line cook jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some line cook jobs pay better than others, but the average line cook salary of $32,894 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many line cook jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of line cooks earning $35,392 a year on average.

   Line Cooks’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a line cook. Do your research on the going rate for a line cook in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do line cooks get paid the most?

   Line Cooks get paid the most in Nevada. In Nevada, line cooks earn an average annual salary of $34,347 and an average hourly wage of $16.51.

   Following NV, the states with the highest-paid line cooks are Hawaii, Colorado, and Washington, with average annual salaries of $45,602, $35,466, and $40,911 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid line cook salaries are:

   1. Seattle, WA – $41,098

   2. San Francisco, CA – $39,493

   3. New York, NY – $36,765

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.