Line Cook Salary in Naperville, IL
Line Cooks in Naperville, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $19.05 per hour, which translates to about $762.00 per week, $3,302.00 per month, and $39,624.00 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Naperville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy job market with increasing opportunities in the food service industry.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Naperville, IL?
The salary of a Line Cook in Naperville can vary depending on experience and employer, but below is a general breakdown across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.98 | $679.20 | $2,938.40 | $35,289.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.05 | $762.00 | $3,302.00 | $39,624.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.36 | $854.40 | $3,697.60 | $44,428.80 |
Do Line Cooks in Naperville Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is behind the scenes in the kitchen rather than customer-facing. Their earnings mainly come from their hourly wage or salary.
Line Cook Salary in Naperville vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $18.00 per hour, translating to about $37,440 per year.
In comparison, Line Cooks in Naperville earn slightly more at about $19.05 per hour and $39,624 annually. This reflects local economic factors and demand in the Naperville area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Naperville for Line Cooks
Nearby areas that offer competitive salaries for Line Cooks include:
- Oak Brook: $20.00 per hour
- Chicago: $19.71 per hour
Working in Oak Brook or Chicago can provide better pay than Naperville, though commuting costs and preferences will play a role in job choice.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Naperville?
The salary of a Line Cook in Naperville depends on several key factors:
- Experience and Skills: More experience and a broad skill set can lead to higher pay as cooks become more efficient and reliable.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, or catering companies usually offer better wages compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may offer shift differentials that increase overall earnings.
- Certifications: Holding culinary or food safety certifications can improve employability and salary prospects.
- Local Market Demand: Areas with higher customer traffic and competition for skilled cooks can drive wages up.
How To Become a Line Cook in Naperville
Becoming a Line Cook in Naperville involves several practical steps:
- Obtain Culinary Training: Enroll in culinary arts programs such as the College of DuPage Culinary Arts Program in nearby Glen Ellyn, IL, or Kendall College School of Culinary Arts in Chicago. These programs provide practical cooking skills and industry insight.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Most employers require certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification to ensure knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Gain Experience: Entry-level kitchen roles or apprenticeships help develop hands-on skills vital for advancing as a Line Cook.
- Get Certified: Consider obtaining the Certified Culinarian (CC) credential by the American Culinary Federation to showcase proficiency and dedication.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Naperville
Some of the established employers actively hiring Line Cooks in Naperville include:
- Sullivan's Steakhouse
- Olive Garden
- Cooper's Hawk
Establishments That Line Cooks in Naperville Work At
Line Cooks find employment across various types of food service establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Typically offer stable shifts and moderate pay, a common starting point for many cooks.
- Fast-Casual Restaurants: May provide faster-paced environments with variable wages depending on location and brand.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants: Often pay higher salaries reflecting the demand for culinary precision and skill.
- Hotels and Catering Services: These establishments may offer higher pay and benefits due to the scale and complexity of food service.
The type and prestige of the establishment greatly impact the salary and growth potential of a Line Cook.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Naperville for Line Cooks
If you are interested in related roles within the hospitality and culinary fields, consider some similar positions that involve related skills and career pathways.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Naperville
Line Cooks in Naperville should be aware of federal and state labor laws which govern wages, working hours, overtime, and other employment-related issues.
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for comprehensive information on nationwide labor laws and regulations.
- For Illinois-specific labor laws, visit the Illinois official state website, which provides resources and guidelines pertinent to workers in the state.