Line Cook Salary in Lakewood, CO
Line Cooks in Lakewood, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $19.85 per hour, which translates to about $794.00 per week, $3,440.67 per month, and $41,288.00 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Lakewood is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing job opportunities in the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Lakewood, CO?
The salary of a Line Cook in Lakewood varies depending on experience and employer, but here is a breakdown across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.44 | $657.60 | $2,843.20 | $34,291.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.85 | $794.00 | $3,440.67 | $41,288.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.98 | $959.20 | $4,144.53 | $49,878.40 |
Do Line Cooks in Lakewood Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips directly, as tips are usually allocated to front-of-house staff. However, in some establishments, Line Cooks might receive occasional tip shares, but this varies widely and is usually a small supplementary amount.
Line Cook Salary in Lakewood vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of about $18.00 per hour, which equals approximately $37,440 per year.
Compared to this, Line Cooks in Lakewood earn a higher wage, averaging $19.85 per hour and $41,288 annually, reflecting a competitive local market and potentially higher cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lakewood for Line Cooks
Nearby areas also provide competitive compensation for Line Cooks:
- Village at Belmar: $20.50 per hour
- Crossroads at Lakewood: $18.50 per hour
These figures suggest that certain neighborhoods may offer more lucrative opportunities for Line Cooks willing to commute.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Lakewood?
Several factors impact how much a Line Cook can earn in Lakewood:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced cooks with strong knife skills and speed often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels generally pay better than casual or fast-food venues.
- Shift Hours and Availability: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays can increase pay via shift differentials.
- Certifications: Food safety certifications and culinary training can enhance earning potential.
- Local Demand: High demand for skilled Line Cooks in busy kitchens drives salaries up.
How To Become a Line Cook in Lakewood
Launching a career as a Line Cook in Lakewood involves a mix of education and practical experience.
Many aspiring Line Cooks benefit from enrolling in formal culinary programs. For example, the Culinary Arts Program at Red Rocks Community College offers an apprenticeship combining classroom instruction with hands-on training, leading to an Associate degree in Culinary Arts.
Additionally, obtaining the ServSafe Food Handler Certification is often required by employers to ensure knowledge of food safety practices.
Gaining experience through entry-level kitchen jobs or internships helps develop essential skills, while networking in local foodservice communities can provide job opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Lakewood
Lakewood's culinary scene includes several notable employers actively hiring Line Cooks:
- Yard House
- Olive Garden
- Village at Belmar
Establishments That Line Cooks in Lakewood Work At
Line Cooks in Lakewood find employment across a variety of foodservice settings:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments typically provide steady work but may offer moderate wages.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Often faster-paced but with competitive pay depending on the venue.
- Hotels and Resorts: These can offer higher salaries and benefits for experienced cooks.
- Catering and Event Venues: Variable pay depending on event frequency and scale.
The type of establishment influences salary and advancement opportunities, with upscale and hotel kitchens generally paying more than fast-food or casual locations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lakewood for Line Cooks
If you're exploring roles related to Line Cook, there are several similar positions to consider that share overlapping skills.
These include Fry Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef de Partie, roles that are closely connected with kitchen operations and skill development.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Lakewood
Line Cooks should stay informed about labor laws and tax obligations applicable in Lakewood and Colorado.
- Visit the State of Colorado official website for information on minimum wage, overtime regulations, and workers' rights.
- For federal employment laws, check the U.S. Department of Labor official website.