Line Cook Salary in Allentown, PA
Line Cooks in Allentown, PA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.67 per hour, which translates to about $666.80 per week, $2,889.47 per month, and $34,673.60 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Allentown is growing steadily at about 8% per year, reflecting positive job growth in the food service industry within the region.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Allentown, PA?
The salary of a Line Cook in Allentown varies based on experience and the employer's scale. The following table breaks down pay according to experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.06 | $522.40 | $2,264.53 | $27,172.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.67 | $666.80 | $2,889.47 | $34,673.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.27 | $850.80 | $3,686.80 | $44,241.60 |
Do Line Cooks in Allentown Earn Tips?
Line Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is mostly behind the scenes and not customer-facing. Their income primarily comes from their hourly wages or salary.
Line Cook Salary in Allentown vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $16.67 per hour and make approximately $34,673.60 per year.
In Allentown, the pay aligns exactly with the national average, making it a competitive place for Line Cook employment, with wages reflecting national standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Allentown for Line Cooks
Nearby locations offer some variation in pay rates for Line Cooks:
- Glen Mills: $18.79 per hour
- Harrisburg: $17.80 per hour
These areas provide slightly higher compensation compared to Allentown, potentially attractive for those willing to commute or relocate.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Allentown?
Several factors determine how much a Line Cook earns in Allentown.
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with advanced cooking skills or specialization can command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Higher-end restaurants and hotels often pay more than casual dining or fast food outlets.
- Shift Timing: Working late or overnight shifts may come with higher pay due to shift differentials.
- Certifications and Culinary Training: Certifications such as ServSafe or culinary degrees may improve earning potential.
- Location within Allentown: Certain neighborhoods or suburbs may offer better wages based on local demand and cost of living.
How To Become a Line Cook in Allentown
Starting a career as a Line Cook in Allentown can be approached through various educational paths and certifications.
Obtaining a Culinary Arts Associate Degree or a Specialized Diploma from Northampton Community College offers focused training on cooking methods, menu planning, and extensive hands-on kitchen experience.
Additionally, earning certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification or the Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation demonstrates professionalism and knowledge in food safety and culinary skills.
Practical experience in a commercial kitchen setting is essential, and apprenticeships or entry-level cooking jobs help build the necessary skills to advance.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Allentown
Several reputable employers actively seek skilled Line Cooks in the Allentown area:
- Metz Culinary Management
- St. Luke's University Health Network
- RHA Health Services
Establishments That Line Cooks in Allentown Work At
Line Cooks in Allentown find work in a variety of dining and food service settings.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments offer steady work but may have moderate pay scales.
- Fast Casual Chains: Typically pay less but provide opportunities for entry-level cooks.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Often pay higher wages and may offer benefits.
- Healthcare and Institutional Kitchens: Employers like hospitals may offer stable employment with competitive pay.
The diversity of establishments affects earning potential, with upscale or specialized venues generally paying more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Allentown for Line Cooks
If you are considering other careers similar to a Line Cook, several related roles in hospitality and food preparation exist.
These include Fry Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef de Partie positions, which require similar culinary knowledge and skills but can offer different levels of responsibility and compensation.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Allentown
Line Cooks need to be informed about labor laws and tax obligations that apply locally and federally.
- Information on Pennsylvania labor laws is available at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website.
- For workplace safety standards, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides comprehensive guidelines.
- Tax information and employer responsibilities can be found at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.