Line Cook in College Station, TX
Line Cooks in College Station, TX, in 2026, earn approximately $14.91 per hour, which translates to about $596.40 per week, $2,584.40 per month, and $31,012.80 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in College Station is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating an expanding job market and opportunities in the local culinary and hospitality industries.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in College Station, TX?
Line Cook salaries in College Station vary based on experience, skills, and employer type. The table below summarizes salary expectations at different career stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.22 | $448.80 | $1,940.80 | $23,856.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.91 | $596.40 | $2,584.40 | $31,012.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.81 | $792.40 | $3,419.47 | $41,196.80 |
Do Line Cooks in College Station Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips since their role is kitchen-based and not customer-facing. Their compensation is primarily through wages with little to no tip income.
Line Cook Salary in College Station vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn around $17.94 per hour, which amounts to about $37,315.20 annually.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in College Station earn less per hour and annually, reflecting local economic conditions, cost of living, and market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near College Station for Line Cooks
Line Cooks working in nearby areas may find these pay rates:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Northgate: $17.60 per hour
Northgate offers the highest pay among these neighboring locations, potentially due to its vibrant dining scene and demand for culinary staff.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in College Station?
Several factors play a significant role in determining a Line Cook's salary in College Station:
- Experience: More experienced Line Cooks often command higher wages due to enhanced cooking skills and efficiency.
- Skills and Specializations: Expertise in specific cuisines or kitchen techniques can impact pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or hotels may offer better compensation than casual or fast food venues.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening or weekend shifts sometimes come with pay premiums.
- Education and Certifications: Culinary training and certifications can provide leverage for better salaries.
How To Become a Line Cook in College Station
Becoming a Line Cook in College Station involves a blend of education, certification, and practical experience.
- Formal Culinary Training: Enroll in programs like the Blinn College Culinary Arts Program, which offers hands-on and theoretical culinary education.
- Cooking Classes: The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Cooking Classes provide practical cooking skills and food safety knowledge beneficial for Line Cooks.
- Food Safety Certifications: Obtain credentials such as the mandatory Texas Food Handler Certification and the nationally recognized ServSafe Certification to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards.
- Gain Work Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles or as prep cooks can build valuable experience.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in College Station
Here are some prominent companies actively hiring Line Cooks in the area:
- Snooze an AM Eatery
- Valor Hospitality
- Olive Garden
- Star Cinema Grill
- Christopher's World Grille
Establishments That Line Cooks in College Station Work At
Line Cooks in College Station find employment across a broad range of establishments, including:
- Casual dining restaurants: Typically provide a stable work environment with moderate wages.
- Fast casual eateries: Often offer higher work pace but experienced cooks can benefit from skill development.
- Hotels and resorts: These venues might pay higher due to upscale demands and volume.
- Hospitality chains: Larger establishments can afford structured pay scales and benefits.
The types of establishments greatly influence salary, with upscale and busy venues often offering the highest wages due to skill requirements and working conditions.
Related Hospitality Jobs in College Station for Line Cooks
If you're interested in careers similar to Line Cook, consider these related roles that share culinary and kitchen responsibilities:
These include Commis Chef, Fry Cook, and Prep Cook, each involving culinary preparation work and different pathways to advancement.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in College Station
It's essential for Line Cooks to be aware of labor laws and tax regulations that affect their employment conditions in College Station.
- Refer to the Federal website for the U.S. Department of Labor for federal labor standards and employee rights.
- Visit the Texas Workforce Commission for information specific to Texas employment laws and workforce resources.
- The City of Bryan, TX local government website provides additional information on local regulations and worker services in the area.