Line Cook Salary in Boulder, CO
Line Cooks in Boulder, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $21.83 per hour, which equals about $873.20 per week, $3,783.87 per month, and $45,406.40 per year.
The job outlook for Line Cooks in Boulder is positive with an expected growth rate of 6% per year, indicating increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals in this region.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Boulder, CO?
The salary for a Line Cook in Boulder can vary by experience, but here is a breakdown across different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $17.70 | $708.00 | $3,060.00 | $36,720.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $21.83 | $873.20 | $3,783.87 | $45,406.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.93 | $1,077.20 | $4,645.87 | $55,994.40 |
Do Line Cooks in Boulder Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips directly since their role is primarily in kitchen preparation rather than serving customers. However, some establishments might include tip pooling, so they could receive an additional modest amount in tips periodically depending on the venue.
Line Cook Salary in Boulder vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $18.00 per hour, or about $37,440 per year.
Compared to this, Line Cooks in Boulder earn more, at approximately $21.83 per hour and $45,406.40 annually. This higher pay reflects the local cost of living and the demand for culinary roles in Boulder.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Boulder for Line Cooks
The pay for Line Cooks can vary depending on the specific area within or near Boulder:
- Downtown Boulder: $23.88 per hour
- Pearl Street Mall: $22.50 per hour
Line Cooks working in Downtown Boulder tend to earn slightly higher wages, given proximity to some of the city's busiest restaurants and eateries.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Boulder?
Several factors can affect how much a Line Cook earns in Boulder:
- Experience: More skilled and experienced cooks command higher wages.
- Skills and Specializations: Expertise in specific cuisines or preparation techniques can increase pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or specialty dining venues often pay more than casual eateries.
- Shift Timing: Late-night or weekend shifts might offer higher hourly rates.
- Certifications: Formal culinary training or food safety certifications can make candidates more competitive.
How To Become a Line Cook in Boulder
Becoming a Line Cook in Boulder involves several steps that can enhance employment opportunities:
- Complete Culinary Training: Attending schools like the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder offers comprehensive programs in Culinary Arts and related fields with hands-on experience.
- Get Food Safety Certification: Obtaining a ServSafe Certification is highly valuable and often required by employers to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Gain Practical Kitchen Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles and progressing through apprenticeships or internships helps build skills.
- Network within the Local Culinary Scene: Connecting with chefs and restaurateurs in Boulder can lead to job opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Boulder
Boulder has several notable restaurant employers actively looking for skilled Line Cooks:
- Oak at Fourteenth
- The Hungry Toad
- SALT
- Frasca Food and Wine
- Boulder Country Club
Establishments That Line Cooks in Boulder Work At
Line Cooks in Boulder find employment across a variety of culinary establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer moderate wages and opportunities for skill growth.
- Fast Casual Venues: Typically provide steady hours with competitive but lower wages.
- Fine Dining and Specialty Restaurants: Generally pay higher salaries reflecting skill and precision requirements.
- Hotels and Country Clubs: Often offer benefits alongside competitive pay scales.
The type of establishment heavily influences salary, where upscale or busy venues tend to reward experience and skill with higher pay.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Boulder for Line Cooks
If you are considering career paths similar to Line Cook, here are a few related roles:
These include Prep Cook, Fry Cook, and Chef de Partie, roles requiring culinary skills and offering various salary ranges and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Boulder
Line Cooks should understand labor laws and tax regulations to safeguard their rights and finances:
- Check the official Colorado state website for information on employment standards and labor laws at Colorado.gov.
- For federal labor laws and workplace standards, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.