Line Cook Salary in Chattanooga, TN
Line Cooks in Chattanooga, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $16.25 per hour, which translates to about $650.00 per week, $2,816.67 per month, and $33,800.00 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Chattanooga is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Chattanooga, TN?
The salary of a Line Cook in Chattanooga varies depending on experience and skill level. Here's a breakdown of earnings at different stages:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.45 | $538.00 | $2,331.33 | $28,000.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.25 | $650.00 | $2,816.67 | $33,800.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.62 | $784.80 | $3,276.80 | $39,680.00 |
Do Line Cooks in Chattanooga Earn Tips?
Line Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in food preparation. Any additional income beyond their base salary is uncommon.
Line Cook Salary in Chattanooga vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of about $17.44 per hour, which amounts to an annual salary of approximately $36,275.20.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in Chattanooga earn slightly less, at $16.25 per hour and $33,800 per year, which may reflect local cost of living differences and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Chattanooga for Line Cooks
Some nearby areas offer marginally higher Line Cook salaries:
- Downtown: $17.50 per hour
- North Shore: $18.00 per hour
Working in these neighborhoods may offer improved earnings compared to other parts of Chattanooga.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Chattanooga?
Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with advanced kitchen skills generally earn higher wages.
Type of Establishment: Salaries can vary significantly depending on whether the Line Cook works in casual dining, fine dining, or fast-casual restaurants.
Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may come with differential pay, potentially increasing earnings.
Location: Specific neighborhoods or districts with upscale restaurants tend to pay better.
Certifications and Education: Holding certifications or culinary training can enhance salary prospects.
How To Become a Line Cook in Chattanooga
Becoming a Line Cook requires certain practical steps and potentially some formal education or training.
Culinary Arts Concentration at Chattanooga State Community College offers comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen safety, and food preparation to prepare students for kitchen roles.
Salvation Army's School of Culinary Arts provides a 12-week job training program focused on meal preparation skills, building self-sufficiency for food service careers.
Certifications: Completing the ServSafe Food Handler Certification is widely recognized and often required to demonstrate knowledge of food safety.
Additionally, earning the Certified Culinarian (CC) certification from the American Culinary Federation can validate foundational culinary skills.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Chattanooga
Several well-known restaurants and chains employ Line Cooks in Chattanooga, including:
- P.F. Chang's
- Common House
- Jim 'N Nick's
- Texas Roadhouse
- Chili's
Establishments That Line Cooks in Chattanooga Work At
Line Cooks in Chattanooga can work in a variety of establishments, such as:
- Casual Restaurants: These establishments generally offer moderate wages and steady work hours.
- Fast Casuals: Often provide fast-paced environments where efficiency is key, with salaries sometimes reflecting volume-based pay structures.
- Fine Dining: Salaries tend to be higher due to specialized skills and higher customer expectations, although hours can be longer.
- Chain Restaurants: Large chains may offer consistent pay and benefits but not necessarily top wages.
The type and prestige of the establishment can significantly influence a Line Cook's earnings and career growth.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Chattanooga for Line Cooks
If you’re considering careers related to the Line Cook role, here are a few similar positions that might interest you:
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Kitchen Supervisor roles, each with varying responsibilities and salary ranges that complement Line Cook experience.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Chattanooga
Line Cooks should familiarize themselves with both federal and state labor laws and tax regulations to ensure fair employment practices and compliance.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and employment information for comprehensive guidance on federal labor standards.
- The Tennessee state website for workforce development and labor regulations provides local-specific resources and information.