A line cook is responsible for food preparation, often in the hospitality industry. They might work in a restaurant, hotel or corporate cafeteria. The “line” of a kitchen is the group of cooks who combine efforts to carry out the recipes and menu items designed by the executive or head chef.
How much do line cooks get paid?
How much does a line cook make? The average salary for a line cook is about $12 an hour. A line cook with experience or a culinary school background or degree can earn up to $18.25 an hour.
How do I get a job as a line cook?
Though some jobs require an associate degree or culinary school certificate, many line cook jobs will provide on-the-job training. You can also complete a kitchen internship which may help give you an advantage in your job search and help you hone your kitchen skills.
How does being a line cook work?
A line cook is responsible for preparing restaurant food in a timely fashion on a kitchen assembly line—which organizes the assembly of a meal from start to finish. A line cook is alternatively known as a station chef, line chef, or chef de partie. They recreate dishes designed by their head chef.
Are line cooks in demand?
Overall employment of cooks is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Individual growth rates will vary by specialty. Population and income growth are expected to result in greater consumer demand for food at a variety of dining places.
Where do line cooks make the most money?
Highest paying cities in United States for Line Cooks
- 548 salaries reported. $17.37. per hour.
- Denver, CO. 812 salaries reported. $17.26. per hour.
- Los Angeles, CA. 646 salaries reported. $17.01. per hour.
- Chicago, IL. 440 salaries reported. $16.58. per hour.
- Philadelphia, PA. 441 salaries reported. $15.95. per hour.
How long does it take to become a line cook?
Though many line cooks receive on-the-job training, some employers prefer job candidates who have completed a culinary arts apprenticeship or associate’s degree program. Apprenticeships, which can last from six months to three years, include a minimum number of classroom hours in addition to hands-on experience.
What skills do line cooks need?
Here are some examples of skills you should have or develop as a line cook:
- Commitment to quality. A line cook must care about the work they do and show commitment to producing quality food for diners. …
- Multitasking. …
- Attention to detail. …
- Cleanliness. …
- Knowledge of food safety. …
- Time management. …
- Organization. …
- Interpersonal skills.
How many hours do line cooks work?
As a line cook, you should be prepared to work long hours. On average, line cooks work between 50 and 70 hours each week, frequently on weekends, evenings and for up to 12 hours each day.
What are the benefits of being a line cook?
Pros
- 1 It is a job that will let you express your creativity. Chefs have the freedom to innovate and experiment with dishes. …
- 2 Attractive salary in cases of high end hotels, restaurants and resorts. …
- 3 Numerous job opportunities. …
- 4 Excellent self-employment opportunities.
What is the difference between a prep cook and a line cook?
Line cooks are more experienced and often higher trained member of kitchen staff than a prep cook. The prep cook prepares the ingredients that the line cook then uses when cooking the meals at the restaurant. Becoming a line cook may be a natural next step for prep cooks when advancing in their careers.
How much does a line cook make per hour?
Line Cook Salaries
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| McDonald’s Line Cook salaries – 9 salaries reported | $20/hr |
| Frontline Recruitment Group Line Cook salaries – 7 salaries reported | $60,000/yr |
| McDonald’s Line Cook salaries – 4 salaries reported | $18/hr |
| Guzman y Gomez Franchising Line Cook salaries – 4 salaries reported | $21/hr |
Is being a line cook stressful?
Yes, cooking for a living — which may mean being a line or pastry cook or even a chef — is one of the most grueling lines of work in America. It’s stressful with long hours, low pay, and little room for growth, according to Career Cast.
Are restaurants struggling to find employees?
Nearly all restaurants, from fast food to sit-down dining have Help Wanted signs at their locations. … “All of our restaurants that I’m aware of are struggling to find employees,” said Vanda Cullar, regional director of the Small Business Development Center, whose mission is to help small businesses.