What Is a Line Cook?

Did You Know?

The restaurant industry employs over 15 million people in the U.S. alone—and one of the most in-demand roles is the line cook. These behind-the-scenes heroes are the backbone of every busy kitchen, from food trucks to fine dining.

If you're someone who stays cool under pressure, enjoys hands-on work, and wants to earn while learning real kitchen skills, line cooking could be a great fit for you. And the best part? You don't have to go job-hunting the old-school way.

With AnyShift, the top gig app for temporary jobs, you can find cooking shifts at local restaurants whenever it fits your schedule. Whether you're curious about the food world or just need some extra income, getting started is quick and easy.

Let's take a closer look at what a line cook does, how much you can make, and how you can start today.

What Does a Line Cook Do?

Being a line cook isn't just about tossing food on a pan—it's a full-on, fast-moving job that requires skill, focus, and serious hustle. Here's what the day-to-day typically looks like:

Preparation

Before the rush starts, line cooks prep everything they'll need—this includes chopping vegetables, marinating proteins, preparing sauces, and making sure every ingredient is ready to go. This setup is called mise en place, and it's the backbone of a smooth kitchen service.

Cooking

From grilling and sautéing to frying and baking, line cooks operate all kinds of kitchen equipment. Each cook is usually assigned to a specific station, and they're responsible for making sure every dish from that station is cooked perfectly and on time.

Station Management

Whether it's the grill, sauté, or fry station, each line cook needs to know their station inside out. They must keep it stocked, clean, and moving efficiently through each service.

Following Recipes

Consistency is key in any kitchen. Line cooks must follow recipes exactly—right portions, right temps, same taste every time.

Food Safety and Hygiene

Clean hands, clean surfaces, safe food handling—no exceptions. Line cooks stick to strict food safety rules to keep customers safe and avoid any health code issues.

Teamwork

Kitchens are all about timing. Line cooks work closely with other cooks, prep staff, and the head chef to make sure everything comes together on the plate—at the same time.

Maintaining Cleanliness

Each cook is responsible for keeping their station clean during and after service. A tidy station = a smooth, stress-free shift.

Handling Pressure and Speed

Things can get intense during busy hours. Line cooks need to stay calm, focused, and fast—without letting quality drop.

Variations in Duties

Depending on the type of kitchen—fine dining, casual, catering, or fast food—the role can shift. In smaller kitchens, you might juggle multiple stations. In larger ones, you'll likely specialize in just one.

Skills and Qualifications

You don't need a fancy degree to become a line cook—but you do need the right mix of practical skills and a good attitude. Here's what helps:

Basic Kitchen Skills (Hard Skills)

These are the things you'll actually do on the job:

• Using a knife safely - Chopping veggies fast and clean.
• Cooking skills - Like frying, grilling, and baking.
• Food safety - Knowing how to keep food clean and safe to eat.
• Following recipes - Making dishes the same way every time.

Personal Strengths (Soft Skills)

These help you handle the fast-paced kitchen life:

• Managing time - Getting things done quickly without rushing.
• Staying calm - Even when the kitchen gets busy and loud.
• Working with others - Talking and coordinating with your team.
• Paying attention - Not missing small details in the food or orders.
• Solving problems - Thinking fast if something goes wrong.

Do You Need a Degree?

Not really! But here's what can help:

• High school diploma - Many places ask for this.
• Culinary school - It's helpful but not required. It can also be expensive.
• Learning on the job - Most cooks start by working in a kitchen and learning as they go.
• Food safety certificate - Like ServSafe, it shows you know the basics of handling food safely.

With the right skills and a willingness to learn, anyone can get started as a line cook—even without experience.

Pay and Career Progression

Wondering how much line cooks make and where this job can take you? Here's what you need to know:

How Much Do Line Cooks Make?

On average, line cooks earn around $14-$20 per hour. That can go higher with more experience or in busy cities. In some restaurants, you might also get tips or shared service charges.

• Entry-level: $13-$15/hour
• Experienced: $17-$22/hour
• Big cities or high-end restaurants: Pay can be even higher

Note: Pay can vary based on where you live, the restaurant type, and your experience.

What Affects Your Pay?

Several things can influence how much you earn:

• Experience - The more you know, the more you're worth.
• Location - Big cities often pay more than small towns.
• Type of restaurant - Fine dining usually pays more than casual spots.
• Extra skills or certifications - Like food safety or special cuisines.

Career Growth: Where Can This Job Take You?

Starting as a line cook can open the door to bigger roles in the kitchen:

• Sous Chef - The second-in-command, supporting the head chef
• Chef de Cuisine / Head Chef - Runs the whole kitchen
• Executive Chef - Manages kitchen and business operations
• Other paths - Work in catering, food trucks, private homes, or even open your own place!

Extra Benefits

Depending on where you work, you might also get:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off or holidays
• Free meals during shifts
• Staff discounts
• Training opportunities

A line cook job is a solid starting point if you love food and want to grow in the kitchen world—plus, it can lead to bigger opportunities if you stick with it.

How to Get Started as a Line Cook?

Want to work in a kitchen but not sure where to begin? Here's a simple guide to help you get started—even if you have no experience!

1. Make a Basic Resume

   You don't need fancy experience. Just make a short resume that shows:

   • Any work you've done (even if it's not cooking)
   • Skills like being on time, working hard, or working in a team
   • Keep it to one page, clean and easy to read

2. Look for Jobs

   Here's where you can find kitchen jobs:

   • Online job sites like Indeed or LinkedIn
   • Ask around—maybe someone you know is hiring
   • Go to restaurants and ask if they need help

   Want part-time or side gigs?

   Try AnyShift - it's the top-rated gig app for restaurant jobs. If you're in Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin, or anywhere nearby), you can find kitchen shifts that fit your schedule—no interviews, no long process. Just pick a shift and go!

3. Be Ready for Interviews

   If you're applying for a full-time job, you might get an interview. Here's how to get ready:

   • Learn a bit about the restaurant
   • Practice answering simple questions like “Why do you want this job?”
   • Be honest, and show you're ready to learn and work hard

4. Start Small

   If you're new, start with an entry-level job like:

   • Prep cook - chopping and getting food ready
   • Dishwasher - helps you learn how a kitchen works

   These jobs help you gain experience fast.

5. Learn While You Work

   Once you're in the kitchen, learn as much as you can:

   • Ask questions
   • Watch others and learn from them
   • Always be helpful and show you care about your work

   Getting started as a line cook is easier than you think. And with AnyShift, you can begin right away—work when you want, where you want.

Tips for Success as a Line Cook

Want to do well in the kitchen? Here are some easy tips that can make a big difference:

1. Work Fast, But Stay Accurate

   Speed is important in a busy kitchen—but so is getting things right.

   • Practice your cutting and prep work.
   • Stay focused and don't rush too much.
   • The more you work, the faster you'll get.

2. Keep Your Station Clean and Tidy

   A messy station slows you down and can be unsafe.

   • Wipe spills right away
   • Keep tools in the same spot
   • Clean as you go

3. Learn from the Chefs Around You

   Watch and learn from more experienced cooks.

   • Ask questions
   • Notice how they move and manage time
   • Be open to feedback

4. Stay Positive and Flexible

   Things can change fast in a kitchen—new orders, missing ingredients, or busy rush hours.

   • Stay calm and adapt
   • Don't take things personally during stress
   • Keep a good attitude—it really helps

5. Keep Learning

   Even the best cooks are always learning.

   • Try new recipes at home
   • Watch cooking videos or read food blogs
   • Stay curious about food and cooking

Final Thoughts

If you love food and enjoy a fast-paced environment, becoming a line cook could be the perfect way to start your culinary journey. You'll learn real skills, meet great people, and grow every day on the job.

And if you're just looking to try it out or earn on the side, don't forget: you can find real kitchen gigs anytime through AnyShift, the top-rated app for flexible restaurant work in Texas.