Line Cook Salary in Hampton, VA
Line Cooks in Hampton, VA, in 2025, earn approximately $15.64 per hour, which translates to about $625.60 per week, $2,710.93 per month, and $32,531.20 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Hampton is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy outlook with increasing opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Hampton, VA?
The salary of a Line Cook in Hampton varies based on experience and employer, but the following provides a snapshot across different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.20 | $528.00 | $2,280.00 | $27,456.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.64 | $625.60 | $2,710.93 | $32,531.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $18.52 | $740.80 | $3,200.53 | $38,521.60 |
Do Line Cooks in Hampton Earn Tips?
Line Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their earnings mainly come from their hourly wages or salaries rather than customer gratuities.
Line Cook Salary in Hampton, VA vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to approximately $30,160 annually.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in Hampton earn slightly more at $15.64 per hour and $32,531.20 annually, reflecting local market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Hampton for Line Cooks
Nearby areas offer the following higher pay rates for Line Cooks:
- Gloucester Point: $20.12 per hour
- Richmond: $17.06 per hour
Gloucester Point leads the pay scale in this region, providing significantly higher hourly wages compared to Hampton.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Hampton, VA?
Several factors can affect the salary of a Line Cook in Hampton:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with advanced cooking skills or specialized techniques tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, hotels, or specialized cuisine establishments often results in better pay compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Some kitchens offer shift differentials for evening or weekend work.
- Certifications: Holding food safety and culinary certifications can increase earning potential.
- Local Market Demand: The competitiveness and demand in Hampton’s hospitality sector directly impact salary levels.
How To Become a Line Cook in Hampton, VA
Becoming a Line Cook in Hampton involves several clear steps to build skills and eligibility:
- Complete Culinary Training: Enrolling in a program like the Culinary Arts Program at Culinary Institute of Virginia in nearby Norfolk provides foundational cooking skills and professional preparation.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is widely recognized and often required by employers to ensure knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen positions or apprenticeships helps develop hands-on skills that are essential for advancement.
- Develop Specialty Skills: Learning about specific cuisines, knife skills, or kitchen station management can improve job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Hampton, VA
Some prominent employers actively hiring Line Cooks in Hampton include:
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- Applebee's
- Bar Louie
Establishments That Line Cooks in Hampton Work At
Line Cooks in Hampton work in a variety of food service settings. These include:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Frequently hiring Line Cooks with moderate wages and opportunity for tips complementing base pay.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Offering consistent but usually lower pay without tips.
- Hotels and Caterers: Usually provide better compensation and opportunities for advancement due to the scale of operations.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: May offer the highest wages and demand advanced skills, with less emphasis on tips for kitchen staff.
The type of establishment greatly influences a Line Cook’s salary and working conditions.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Hampton, VA for Line Cooks
If you are exploring careers related to a Line Cook, consider these similar roles in the hospitality industry:
These include Fry Cook, Prep Cook, and Head Chef roles, which share culinary skills and kitchen responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Hampton, VA
Understanding labor laws and tax responsibilities is important for Line Cooks in Hampton.
- Refer to the federal labor laws and employment information provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- For local regulations, visit the Virginia state labor laws and employment resources.