Line Cook Salary in El Paso, TX
Line Cooks in El Paso, TX, in 2026, earn approximately $13.55 per hour, which translates to about $542.00 per week, $2,348.67 per month, and $28,184.00 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in El Paso is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting positive job growth prospects in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in El Paso, TX?
The salary of a Line Cook in El Paso varies depending on experience and employer. Below is a breakdown of earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.80 | $432.00 | $1,869.33 | $22,464.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.55 | $542.00 | $2,348.67 | $28,184.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Line Cooks in El Paso Earn Tips?
Line Cooks typically do not earn tips since they primarily work behind the scenes preparing food rather than direct customer service. Their income is mostly from their base salary or hourly wage.
Line Cook Salary in El Paso vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of about $14.50 per hour, equating to roughly $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in El Paso earn slightly less per hour and annually, likely influenced by local cost of living and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near El Paso for Line Cooks
When considering areas close to El Paso, salaries for Line Cooks vary:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- West Side: $17.60 per hour
Line Cooks working in the West Side area tend to earn significantly more compared to those downtown, highlighting opportunities to increase pay by location.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in El Paso?
Several key factors can affect how much a Line Cook earns in El Paso:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with specialized cooking skills or efficiency tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or hotels may pay more compared to fast-food or casual dining eateries.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Night shifts or overtime hours can increase total earnings due to shift differentials and overtime pay.
- Certifications and Training: Culinary education or safety certifications can improve salary prospects.
- Local Economic Conditions: Regional demand for food service workers and cost of living in El Paso influence wage levels.
How To Become a Line Cook in El Paso
There are several steps one can take to start a career as a Line Cook in El Paso:
- Enroll in Culinary Training Programs: The El Paso Community College Culinary Arts Program offers comprehensive training in essential culinary skills, preparing students for roles like Line Cook.
- Pursue Hospitality Management Education: The University of Texas at El Paso provides programs covering food production and kitchen management, beneficial for career advancement.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure understanding of proper food safety practices critical for kitchen roles.
- Earn Culinary Credentials: Entry-level certifications like the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation demonstrate foundational culinary competence.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles and apprenticing under experienced cooks helps build skills and reputation.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in El Paso
El Paso has several prominent restaurants and chains that regularly hire Line Cooks:
- Texas Roadhouse
- Outback Steakhouse
- Chili's Grill & Bar
Establishments That Line Cooks in El Paso Work At
Line Cooks typically work in a variety of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These often offer steady employment with moderate salaries.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Positions here may offer fast-paced environments with slightly lower wages.
- Hotels and Resorts: These venues sometimes pay higher wages and provide benefits.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: More prestigious establishments may pay premium rates due to skill demands.
The type of establishment can significantly influence salary and advancement opportunities for Line Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in El Paso for Line Cooks
If you are exploring roles similar to Line Cook, consider these related careers in the hospitality and culinary field.
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Prep Cook roles, which have related culinary responsibilities and different compensation levels.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in El Paso
Line Cooks in El Paso should be familiar with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to protect their rights and handle finances effectively.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific information, including employment and labor standards in Texas, check the Texas Workforce Commission.