Line Cook Salary in Evansville, IN
Line Cooks in Evansville, IN, in 2026, earn approximately $14.79 per hour, translating to about $591.60 per week, $2,563.60 per month, and $30,763.20 per year.
The job outlook for Line Cooks in Evansville is positive with a growth rate of around 5% per year, indicating an expanding market for culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Evansville, IN?
The salary of a Line Cook in Evansville varies based on experience, skills, and employer type. Below is a breakdown based on experience levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.50 | $460.00 | $1,986.67 | $23,920.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.79 | $591.60 | $2,563.60 | $30,763.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.03 | $761.20 | $3,285.87 | $39,566.40 |
Do Line Cooks in Evansville Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in kitchen operations. Their income largely stems from hourly or salaried wages rather than gratuities.
Line Cook Salary in Evansville vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of about $18.04 per hour, or approximately $37,523.20 annually.
Compared to this, Line Cooks in Evansville earn less on average, at about $14.79 per hour and $30,763.20 annually. This difference reflects regional cost of living and market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Evansville for Line Cooks
Nearby areas offering competitive wages for Line Cooks include:
- Downtown Evansville: $15.50 per hour
- East Side: $17.60 per hour
These neighborhoods provide opportunities for higher earnings than average Evansville, potentially due to denser dining scenes or upscale establishments.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Evansville?
Several factors impact how much a Line Cook can earn in Evansville:
- Experience: More experienced Line Cooks command higher wages.
- Skills and Specializations: Expertise in certain cuisines or cooking techniques can increase pay.
- Type and Size of Establishment: High-end restaurants or large hotels typically offer better compensation than fast food outlets.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Night or weekend shifts may include premium pay.
- Certifications: Culinary certifications and food safety credentials enhance earning potential.
How To Become a Line Cook in Evansville
Becoming a professional Line Cook involves developing culinary skills and knowledge, often through education and experience:
- Culinary Education: Programs such as Culinary Arts at Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center provide hands-on food preparation training and safety knowledge.
- Further Studies: Ivy Tech Community College Culinary Arts Program offers comprehensive culinary training leading to an Associate degree.
- Certifications: Obtaining the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures compliance with food safety regulations.
- Professional Credentials: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential by the American Culinary Federation boosts employability.
- On-the-Job Experience: Entry-level line cook positions or kitchen assistant roles help build practical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Evansville
Several well-known employers in Evansville actively seek skilled Line Cooks to join their culinary teams, including:
- Evansville Country Club
- O'Charley's
- Bonefish Grill
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- St. Vincent's Hospital
Establishments That Line Cooks in Evansville Work At
Line Cooks in Evansville typically work in a variety of foodservice establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Moderate pay, often with opportunities for tips on top of wage depending on the venue.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service: Faster-paced environments with somewhat lower base pay but often higher volume of work.
- Hotels and Country Clubs: Typically offer more stable hours and potentially higher wages due to upscale clientele.
- Hospitals and Institutional Foodservice: Usually salaried roles focused on nutrition and volume.
The type and prestige of the establishment significantly affect salary ranges and advancement opportunities for Line Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Evansville for Line Cooks
If you are considering alternative or related roles within the hospitality industry, here are some similar careers to explore:
These include Fry Cook, Cook, and Head Chef positions, which involve similar culinary responsibilities and may offer varied salary scales.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Evansville
Line Cooks in Evansville should be knowledgeable about labor regulations and tax requirements that affect their employment:
- Information on federal labor laws and regulations is available through the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The Indiana Department of Workforce Development provides guidance on state-specific employment standards and workforce resources.
- Details about city codes and employment services can be found on the Evansville local government website.