Line Cook Salary in Portland, OR
Line Cooks in Portland, OR, in 2025, earn approximately $20.04 per hour, which translates to about $801.60 per week, $3,473.60 per month, and $41,683.20 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Portland is looking up, with a growth rate of about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in the culinary industry within the area.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Portland, OR?
The salary of a Line Cook in Portland varies based on experience and skills. Below is an overview of earnings depending on different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.14 | $645.60 | $2,794.40 | $33,549.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.04 | $801.60 | $3,473.60 | $41,683.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.87 | $994.80 | $4,295.80 | $51,729.60 |
Do Line Cooks in Portland Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not receive tips, as their work primarily occurs behind the scenes in kitchen operations. Their earnings are mostly from their hourly wage or salary.
Line Cook Salary in Portland vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $18.02 per hour, which comes to about $37,481.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in Portland earn higher wages, at approximately $20.04 per hour and $41,683.20 annually.
This difference is influenced by Portland's higher cost of living and a robust culinary scene with active demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Portland for Line Cooks
Nearby cities offer the following average hourly pay for Line Cooks:
- Hillsboro: $26.61 per hour
- Beaverton: $24.91 per hour
These figures highlight Hillsboro and Beaverton as attractive nearby locations for Line Cooks seeking higher compensation.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Portland?
Several factors contribute to determining a Line Cook’s salary in Portland:
- Experience and skill level: More experienced cooks with advanced culinary skills tend to command higher wages.
- Type of establishment: High-end restaurants and hotels often offer better pay compared to fast food or casual dining venues.
- Certifications and training: Formal culinary education and food safety certifications can boost earning potential.
- Shift timings: Working night or weekend shifts might include shift differentials, increasing hourly pay.
- Local demand and cost of living: Portland’s vibrant food scene and living costs impact salary levels.
How To Become a Line Cook in Portland
Becoming a Line Cook in Portland involves a combination of training and practical experience, often including:
- Formal culinary education: Institutions such as the Oregon Culinary Institute offer comprehensive culinary arts programs, including hands-on training and externships.
- Certificates: Portland Community College provides a Culinary Assistant Certificate focusing on fundamental cooking techniques and kitchen operations.
- Food safety certifications: Obtaining a Food Handler's Permit, mandatory in Oregon, and the nationally recognized ServSafe Certification, preferred by many employers, are important steps.
- Gaining practical experience: Working in kitchens as a prep cook or kitchen assistant is a common path.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Portland
Several prominent employers in Portland actively seek skilled Line Cooks, including:
- Red Robin
- McMenamins
- McDonald's
Establishments That Line Cooks in Portland Work At
Line Cooks typically find employment opportunities in various types of dining establishments:
- Casual and fast casual restaurants: These establishments offer consistent work but usually at moderate wage levels.
- Fine dining restaurants: Often provide higher pay due to elevated skill expectations and meal complexity.
- Hotels and catering companies: Tend to offer good wages and additional benefits.
- Chain restaurants and diners: May offer entry-level opportunities but with a lower pay scale.
Salary differences are influenced by the prestige of the venue, clientele, and complexity of the menu.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Portland for Line Cooks
If you are interested in roles similar to Line Cook in the Portland area, consider these related careers:
These include Fry Cook, Cook, and Kitchen Manager positions, which share overlapping duties and career paths with Line Cooks.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Portland
Line Cooks should be familiar with labor laws and tax regulations to ensure proper working conditions and compliance.
- Information on Oregon labor laws and worker rights can be found at the State of Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries website.
- For federal employment laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.