Line Cook Salary in Kansas City, KS
Line Cooks in Kansas City, KS, in 2025, earn approximately $14.50 per hour, which translates to about $580.00 per week, $2,513.33 per month, and $30,160.00 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Kansas City is growing steadily at about 6% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for those pursuing a career in this essential kitchen role.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Kansas City, KS?
The salary of a Line Cook in Kansas City varies depending on experience and skill level. Below is an overview of typical earnings by experience:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.00 | $480.00 | $2,080.00 | $24,960.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.50 | $580.00 | $2,491.67 | $30,160.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
Do Line Cooks in Kansas City Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is focused in the kitchen rather than directly serving guests. Their income primarily comes from their salary or wages alone.
Line Cook Salary in Kansas City, KS vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of about $15.00 per hour, amounting to roughly $31,200.00 annually.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in Kansas City earn slightly less on average at $14.50 per hour and $30,160.00 annually.
This difference can be influenced by local cost of living and restaurant industry factors specific to Kansas City.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kansas City for Line Cooks
Nearby areas offer competitive salaries for Line Cooks. Two notable locations with higher pay include:
- Downtown: $16.00 per hour
- Westport: $17.00 per hour
Working in these neighborhoods may offer better compensation than the average for Kansas City itself.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Kansas City?
Several factors impact how much a Line Cook can earn in Kansas City:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with refined culinary skills tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working for upscale restaurants or hotels often pays more than casual or fast food venues.
- Certification and Training: Certifications like ServSafe or culinary training can improve employment prospects and salary.
- Shift Hours: Evening or weekend shifts may offer higher pay or tips if serving duties apply.
- Local Economy and Demand: Kansas City's expanding culinary scene increases demand and potential for better compensation.
How To Become a Line Cook in Kansas City
To pursue a career as a Line Cook, consider the following steps:
- Complete Culinary Training: Programs such as the Johnson County Community College Culinary Arts Program or the Kansas City Kansas Community College Culinary Arts Program provide comprehensive skills and kitchen experience.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification demonstrate important knowledge in food safety and increase employability.
- Consider Additional Credentials: Entry-level certifications such as the Certified Culinarian (CC) from the American Culinary Federation can boost credibility.
- Gain Practical Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen roles and build experience by working in various culinary environments.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Kansas City
Some well-known employers in Kansas City actively hiring Line Cooks include:
- The Capital Grille
- Jack Stack Barbecue
- Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Establishments That Line Cooks in Kansas City Work At
Line Cooks work in a variety of settings, each influencing potential earnings:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Tend to offer higher salaries and opportunities for advancement due to more complex culinary demands.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Typically pay less than fine dining but provide steady work and opportunities for skill-building.
- Barbecue and Specialty Venues: Kansas City’s reputation for barbecue means many Line Cooks find jobs at these specialty establishments with variable pay scales.
- Hotels and Event Catering: These settings often provide structured pay and benefits, sometimes above average.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kansas City for Line Cooks
If you are interested in careers related to Line Cooking, consider exploring these similar roles:
These include Head Chef, Commis Chef, and Prep Cook positions, which share similar kitchen responsibilities and may offer different salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Kansas City
Line Cooks should be aware of labor laws and tax regulations that affect their work conditions and compensation.
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for comprehensive information on federal labor regulations.
- For state-specific labor laws, the Kansas state official website provides valuable resources and guidance.
- The Kansas City, Kansas official website offers local employment resources and regulations pertinent to workers in the area.