Line Cook Salary in Albany, NY
Line Cooks in Albany, NY, in 2025, earn approximately $20.25 per hour, resulting in about $810.00 per week, $3,510.00 per month, and $42,120.00 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Albany is growing positively at around 5% per year, indicating a healthy increase in job opportunities in the culinary sector within the region.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Albany, NY?
The salary of a Line Cook in Albany varies based on experience and skill level. Here is an overview of typical earnings across different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.75 | $950.00 | $3,979.17 | $49,400.00 |
Do Line Cooks in Albany, NY Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work mainly takes place behind the scenes, in the kitchen. Their compensation primarily consists of hourly wages or salaries without additional tipping income.
Line Cook Salary in Albany, NY vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $18.00 per hour, equating to approximately $37,440.00 per year.
Compared to this, Line Cooks in Albany earn slightly more at about $20.25 per hour and $42,120.00 annually. This premium may be driven by factors such as local demand and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Albany for Line Cooks
When considering nearby areas, Line Cook pay rates vary slightly:
- Downtown Albany: $21.00 per hour
- Pine Hills: $20.50 per hour
Those working in Downtown Albany tend to earn the highest wages for Line Cooks, followed closely by Pine Hills.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Albany, NY?
Several important factors can affect the salary of a Line Cook in Albany, including:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks or those with specialized culinary skills often command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale restaurants or hotels may provide better compensation compared to fast food or casual dining establishments.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may offer higher wages or shift differentials.
- Certifications: Certifications in food safety and culinary arts can boost earning potential.
- Local Market Demand: The supply and demand for culinary professionals in Albany also impacts pay scales.
How To Become a Line Cook in Albany, NY
To start a career as a Line Cook in Albany, consider taking these steps:
- Culinary Education: Enroll in programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Schenectady County Community College or the Culinary Arts Certificate at SUNY Adirondack. These provide foundational kitchen skills and training.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler ensure knowledge of proper food handling protocols.
- Professional Certifications: Achieving credentials such as the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation can enhance credibility and career prospects.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Work in entry-level kitchen roles or apprenticeships to develop cooking skills and workplace familiarity.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Albany, NY
Some of the leading employers actively seeking Line Cooks in Albany include:
- P.F. Chang's
- 677 Prime
- The Halal Shack
- Renaissance Hotels
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
Establishments That Line Cooks in Albany, NY Work At
Line Cooks in Albany commonly find employment opportunities in a variety of establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining: Restaurants offering moderately priced meals where cooks may work longer hours but gain diverse experience.
- Fast Casual: Establishments focusing on quick, quality meals with efficient kitchen operations and steady demand.
- Fine Dining and Hotels: Higher-end venues with expectations for culinary precision, often paying more.
- Chain Restaurants: Larger operations with standard procedures that may offer consistent but moderate pay.
When working in fine dining or hotels, Line Cooks generally earn higher wages compared to fast casual or quick service restaurants, reflecting the level of culinary skill and service expected.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Albany, NY for Line Cooks
For those interested in similar career paths within hospitality, consider these related roles:
These include Commis Chef, Fry Cook, and Chef de Partie positions, all of which share skills related to food preparation and kitchen operations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Albany, NY
Line Cooks should stay informed about applicable labor laws and tax responsibilities for their work in Albany and New York State.
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for federal employment regulations and rights.
- The New York State Department of Labor website provides detailed information on state labor laws, wage standards, and workplace safety.