Line Cook Salary in Lowell, MA
Line Cooks in Lowell, MA, in 2025, earn approximately $21.69 per hour, which equates to about $867.60 per week, $3,759.60 per month, and $45,115.20 per year.
The job outlook for Line Cooks in Lowell is positive, with a growth rate of about 5% per year. This steady growth reflects a sustained demand for skilled culinary professionals in the local foodservice industry.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Lowell, MA?
The salary of a Line Cook in Lowell varies based on experience and employer type. Below is an overview of earning potential across different experience levels in Lowell.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $17.60 | $704.00 | $3,041.33 | $36,608.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $21.69 | $867.60 | $3,759.60 | $45,115.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.73 | $1,069.20 | $4,633.73 | $55,478.40 |
Do Line Cooks in Lowell Earn Tips?
Line Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily kitchen-based and does not usually involve direct customer interaction. Their compensation mostly comes from their wages or salary rather than gratuities.
Line Cook Salary in Lowell vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $21.69 per hour, which amounts to approximately $45,115.20 annually.
This is consistent with the average salary for Line Cooks in Lowell, reflecting that the city’s wages align closely with the national compensation rates for this role.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lowell for Line Cooks
Nearby locations offer notably higher pay for Line Cooks:
- Groveland: $45.67 per hour
- North Billerica: $43.09 per hour
These neighboring areas provide significantly increased earning opportunities, likely due to distinct economic factors and local demand in the foodservice sector.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Lowell?
Several key factors determine how much a Line Cook can earn in Lowell:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with refined culinary skills tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale or fine-dining restaurants usually offers better salaries compared to fast-food or casual eateries.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Line Cooks working evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may receive shift differentials that increase earnings.
- Certifications and Training: Completion of relevant culinary certifications or courses can boost a Line Cook’s marketability and pay.
- Local Economic Conditions: The cost of living and demand in Lowell influence salary levels for this role.
How To Become a Line Cook in Lowell
To pursue a career as a Line Cook in Lowell, consider the following steps:
- Gain foundational training: Programs such as the Greater Lowell Technical High School Culinary Arts Program provide comprehensive training including pastry production, butcher work, and restaurant food preparation. This program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
- Attend culinary training centers: The MassHire Lowell Career Center offers culinary arts training covering essential cooking methods, OSHA certification, ServSafe certification, and knife skills.
- Obtain certifications: Earning credentials such as ServSafe Certification, a food and beverage safety certification from the National Restaurant Association, and OSHA Certification for Culinary, focusing on kitchen safety standards, can increase employability.
- Gain practical kitchen experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles or internships helps build necessary hands-on skills.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Lowell
Several well-known local establishments actively seek skilled Line Cooks, including:
- Tavern in the Square
- Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub
- Life Alive Cafe
Establishments That Line Cooks in Lowell Work At
Line Cooks find employment across various types of foodservice establishments:
- Casual Restaurants: These establishments typically offer steady employment and competitive hourly wages.
- Fast Casual: Often provide faster-paced work environments with hourly pay that may vary.
- Fine Dining: Usually offer the highest salaries and opportunities for advancement, reflective of the elevated skill levels required.
- Catering and Event Kitchens: Can provide seasonal or event-based work, sometimes with premium pay rates.
The nature of the establishment significantly influences salary levels, with higher-end venues generally providing higher compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lowell for Line Cooks
If you are considering similar career paths within the hospitality and culinary fields, here are some related roles worth exploring.
These include Fry Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef de Partie, which involve related culinary skills and responsibilities, with varying salary potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Lowell
Understanding the labor laws and tax regulations applicable in Lowell is essential for all Line Cooks to ensure compliance and proper employment rights.
- Visit the Massachusetts government website for information on state labor laws, minimum wage, overtime regulations, and employment standards.
- For federal regulations, check the U.S. Department of Labor website, which provides resources on national labor laws and workplace rights.