Line Cook in Lees-Summit, MO
Line Cooks in Lees-Summit, MO, in 2025, earn approximately $16.72 per hour, which translates to about $668.80 per week, $2,898.13 per month, and $34,777.60 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Lees-Summit, MO is growing at a positive rate of 5% per year, indicating an increasing number of opportunities and need for skilled culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Lees-Summit, MO?
The salary of a Line Cook in Lees-Summit varies based on experience and skill level. Here's a detailed look at earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.39 | $575.60 | $2,480.53 | $29,907.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.72 | $668.80 | $2,898.13 | $34,777.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.48 | $819.20 | $3,526.93 | $42,518.40 |
Do Line Cooks in Lees-Summit Earn Tips?
Line Cooks typically do not earn tips as their roles are primarily kitchen-based without direct customer interaction. Their earnings come mainly from wages and salary.
Line Cook Salary in Lees-Summit, MO vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $17.17 per hour, or approximately $35,713.60 per year.
Compared to this, Line Cooks in Lees-Summit, MO earn slightly less at around $16.72 per hour and $34,777.60 annually, which may reflect local market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lees-Summit, MO for Line Cooks
Nearby areas offer competitive pay for Line Cooks:
- Downtown: $18.50 per hour
- Summit Fair: $19.00 per hour
Line Cooks working in Summit Fair tend to earn the highest hourly rates, which may be due to the type of establishments or increased demand in that area.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Lees-Summit, MO?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Line Cook in Lees-Summit, MO:
- Experience and Skill Level: Those with more years in the kitchen and advanced culinary skills tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or hotels generally offer better pay compared to fast casual or smaller local diners.
- Shift Timings: Late night or weekend shifts may have differential pay rates increasing overall earnings.
- Certifications and Training: Culinary certifications can enhance employability and salary potential.
- Demand and Local Economy: More competitive and busy food markets may drive wages up.
How To Become a Line Cook in Lees-Summit, MO
Becoming a Line Cook in Lees-Summit involves several important steps:
- Culinary Foundations: This course offered by the Lee's Summit R-7 School District teaches the basics of nutrition, food safety, and meal planning. It also serves as a prerequisite for more advanced culinary courses.
- Food Handler Permit: Required within 15 days of employment, this permit ensures that Line Cooks know safe food handling practices essential for kitchen safety and hygiene.
- Gain On-the-Job Experience: Starting as kitchen assistants or in prep roles builds practical skills required for Line Cook positions.
- Continuous Learning: Pursuing advanced culinary training improves skills and job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Lees-Summit, MO
Major employers in Lees-Summit looking for Line Cooks include:
- John Knox Village
- Cooper's Hawk
- Chili's
Establishments That Line Cooks in Lees-Summit, MO Work At
Line Cooks typically find roles in a variety of food service settings including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These may offer steady employment with moderate pay scales.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Often faster-paced with potential for advancement but sometimes lower wages compared to formal restaurants.
- Hotels and Resorts: Usually provide higher salaries and benefits.
- Institutional Food Service: Such as schools or healthcare facilities with stable hours but often lower pay.
The type of establishment significantly affects the salary, with high-end restaurants usually paying more to experienced cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lees-Summit, MO for Line Cooks
If you are considering similar roles in the hospitality field, here are a few related careers:
These include Chef de Partie, Fry Cook, and Prep Cook roles that involve similar culinary duties and have varying earning potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Lees-Summit, MO
Line Cooks should be aware of important labor laws and taxation rules in Missouri:
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website to understand federal employment regulations including minimum wage and overtime rules.
- The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website provides local labor laws, workplace safety standards, and employee rights specific to Missouri.