Line Cook Salary in Birmingham, AL
Line Cooks in Birmingham, AL, in 2025, earn approximately $16.62 per hour, which translates to about $664.80 per week, $2,880.80 per month, and $34,569.60 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Birmingham is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in the culinary field within the region.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Birmingham, AL?
The salary of a Line Cook in Birmingham depends on their level of experience and the establishment they work for. Here’s a general idea of earnings across different experience levels.
| 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) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,466.67 | $41,600.00 |
Do Line Cooks in Birmingham Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips since they work primarily behind the scenes preparing food rather than directly serving customers. Their earnings come mainly from hourly wages or salaries.
Line Cook Salary in Birmingham vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of about $18 per hour, which amounts to approximately $37,440 annually.
Compared to this, Line Cooks in Birmingham earn slightly less on average, at around $16.62 per hour and $34,569.60 per year. This difference reflects regional cost of living and local market dynamics.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Birmingham for Line Cooks
A few surrounding areas offer somewhat better pay rates for Line Cooks:
- Downtown Birmingham: $18 per hour
- Mountain Brook: $19 per hour
These nearby areas tend to provide higher wages potentially due to more upscale restaurants or higher demand for culinary workers.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Birmingham?
Several key factors influence how much a Line Cook earns in Birmingham, including:
- Experience: More years in culinary work usually translate to higher pay, as skills develop and efficiency improves.
- Skill Set: Proficiency in various cooking techniques and the ability to handle high-pressure kitchen environments increase earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining or upscale restaurants tend to pay more than fast casual or casual dining venues.
- Shift Requirements: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays can sometimes result in shift differentials and increased wages.
- Certifications and Education: Formal culinary training and food safety certifications may enhance salary prospects.
How To Become a Line Cook in Birmingham
Starting a career as a Line Cook in Birmingham typically involves the following:
- Gain Basic Culinary Skills: Many begin with on-the-job training or entry-level kitchen roles to learn foundational cooking techniques.
- Obtain Culinary Education: Institutions like Jefferson State Community College Culinary and Hospitality Institute and Lawson State Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive programs with hands-on training.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certification can boost employability.
- Build Experience: Working in various kitchen settings helps develop versatility and reliability important for progress.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Birmingham
Several notable employers in Birmingham actively seek skilled Line Cooks, including:
- UAB Medicine
- First Watch
- Brookdale Senior Living
- BrickTop's
- Olive Garden
Establishments That Line Cooks in Birmingham Work At
Line Cooks find employment across a variety of establishment types in Birmingham:
- Casual Restaurants: Often offer steady hours but moderate pay scales.
- Fast Casual Dining: These places typically require fast-paced cooking skills and may offer slightly higher hourly wages.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These often provide the highest pay due to the need for specialized skills and high-quality food preparation standards.
- Hospitals and Senior Living Facilities: Offer more stable employment environments with consistent schedules.
The type and prestige of the establishment can significantly impact a Line Cook’s overall earnings and growth opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Birmingham for Line Cooks
Those interested in similar hospitality roles might consider exploring related positions such as:
These include Fry Cook, Prep Cook, and Kitchen Supervisor roles that share culinary skills and kitchen responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Birmingham
Line Cooks should be aware of labor laws and tax regulations to understand their employment rights and responsibilities.
- Refer to the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for nationwide rules.
- Alabama-specific regulations can be found at the State of Alabama Department of Labor website.
- Information specific to Birmingham can be accessed via the City of Birmingham official website.