Line Cook Salary in Palm Bay, FL
Line Cooks in Palm Bay, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $15.28 per hour, which translates to about $611.20 per week, $2,648.53 per month, and $31,782.40 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Palm Bay is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy job market and increasing opportunities in the food service industry in this region.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Palm Bay, FL?
The salary of a Line Cook in Palm Bay can vary depending on experience and employer type, but here is an overview of typical earnings at different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.50 | $540.00 | $2,340.00 | $28,080.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.28 | $611.20 | $2,648.53 | $31,782.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.50 | $700.00 | $3,033.33 | $36,400.00 |
Do Line Cooks in Palm Bay Earn Tips?
Generally, Line Cooks do not earn tips directly since they primarily work in the kitchen and are not involved in direct customer service. Their compensation is mostly limited to their hourly wage or salary.
Line Cook Salary in Palm Bay vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of about $16.90 per hour, equating to approximately $35,152 per year.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in Palm Bay earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $15.28 and an annual salary of $31,782.40.
This difference may be influenced by local cost of living and regional demand for culinary workers.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Palm Bay for Line Cooks
Looking at nearby areas, Line Cooks can find higher pay in the following locations:
- Palm Shores: $17.91 per hour
- Cocoa Beach: $16.78 per hour
For those willing to commute, these areas offer greater earning potential compared to Palm Bay itself.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Palm Bay?
Several factors contribute to how much a Line Cook earns in Palm Bay:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks familiar with a variety of cuisines or cooking techniques tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels may offer higher pay compared to fast-food or casual dining.
- Work Hours and Shift: Late-night or holiday shifts might come with additional pay.
- Certification and Training: Culinary education and food safety certifications can boost salaries.
- Economic Conditions: Regional demand for food service staff can affect pay scales.
How To Become a Line Cook in Palm Bay
Starting a career as a Line Cook in Palm Bay involves several important steps:
- Obtain Culinary Training: Programs like the Eastern Florida State College Culinary Arts Program provide comprehensive skills and hands-on experience.
- Consider Adult Education: The Brevard Adult Education Culinary Program is a good option for adult learners seeking entry into the culinary field.
- Earn Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is nationally recognized and ensures understanding of food safety practices.
- Achieve Professional Credentials: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential by the American Culinary Federation demonstrates foundational culinary skills.
- Gain Work Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen roles to build practical skills and advance.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Palm Bay
Some notable employers in Palm Bay actively hiring Line Cooks include:
- Chili's
- McDonald's
- Ruby Tuesday
Establishments That Line Cooks in Palm Bay Work At
Line Cooks are typically employed in a variety of food service settings, such as:
- Fast Food Chains: Often offering entry-level positions with moderate pay and high turnover.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: May provide higher wages and opportunities for skill advancement.
- Hotels and Resorts: Can offer competitive salaries and benefits.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Pay tends to be higher but demands greater skill and experience.
- Catering Services: Provide variable pay depending on event size and complexity.
The type of establishment greatly influences the pay scale, with fine dining and resort kitchens generally offering the highest salaries.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Palm Bay for Line Cooks
If you are interested in roles similar to Line Cook, consider exploring other culinary and hospitality positions that share related skills.
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Kitchen Manager positions, which involve culinary expertise and leadership responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Palm Bay
Line Cooks should be familiar with labor laws and tax regulations applicable in Palm Bay.
- For federal labor laws and employment standards, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Information on Florida state labor laws and employment resources is available at the official Florida state website.
- Local government resources and employment information for Brevard County can be found at the Brevard County official website.