Line Cook: what the job is, what it pays, and how to get hired.

Median pay

$37,390

BLS May 2025

Employed in the U.S.

1,409,890

BLS May 2025

Preparation

Job Zone 2 of 5

some preparation

Most common education

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

47% of workers

Data Government data groups this job as Cooks, Restaurant (O*NET-SOC 35-2014.00). Figures on this page are for that occupation.

1. Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
2. Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment, work surfaces, and serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.
3. Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to waiters or patrons.
4. Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
5. Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
6. Coordinate and supervise work of kitchen staff.
7. Bake, roast, broil, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
8. Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.

Knowledge areas: Food Production, English Language.

• FacebookWeb page creation and editing softwareHot technology
• Food safety labeling systemsCompliance software
• Point of sale POS restaurant softwarePoint of sale POS software
• Recipe cost control softwareMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
• Microsoft ExcelSpreadsheet softwareHot technology
• Microsoft Office softwareOffice suite softwareHot technology
• Microsoft OutlookElectronic mail softwareHot technology
• Microsoft WordWord processing softwareHot technology
• Menu planning softwareData base user interface and query software

Also called: Back Line Cook, Banquet Cook, Breakfast Cook, Cook, Fry Cook, Grill Cook.