Line Cook Salary in Providence, RI
Line Cooks in Providence, RI, in 2025, earn approximately $20.05 per hour, which translates to about $802.00 per week, $3,475.33 per month, and $41,704.00 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Providence is showing positive growth at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy outlook for this role in the city's evolving food service industry.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Providence, RI?
The salary of a Line Cook in Providence can vary depending on experience and employer, but here is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.61 | $664.40 | $2,868.13 | $34,417.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.05 | $802.00 | $3,475.33 | $41,704.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.20 | $968.00 | $4,186.67 | $50,336.00 |
Do Line Cooks in Providence Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips as part of their compensation since their role focuses on food preparation behind the scenes. Their income is primarily salary-based without significant tip earnings.
Line Cook Salary in Providence vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $18.05 per hour, which equates to approximately $37,544 per year.
Compared to this national average, Line Cooks in Providence earn somewhat more, with a typical hourly wage of $20.05 and an annual salary near $41,704. This difference may reflect the local cost of living and demand for culinary staff in Providence.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Providence for Line Cooks
Nearby cities offer slightly different pay rates for Line Cooks:
- Newport: $21.33 per hour
- East Greenwich: $20.38 per hour
Line Cooks in Newport can generally expect to earn the highest wages in the region, while East Greenwich offers pay slightly above the Providence average.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Providence?
Several key factors affect the salary level of a Line Cook in Providence:
- Experience and Skillset: More experienced line cooks with a broad culinary skill set typically earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and fine dining venues usually offer better pay than fast food or casual dining locations.
- Shift Hours: Working late or overnight shifts may provide shift differentials that raise pay.
- Certifications: Holding certifications like ServSafe Food Handler or culinary degrees can improve salary prospects.
- Local Market Demand: Higher demand for skilled cooks increases wages in certain areas of Providence.
How To Become a Line Cook in Providence
Starting a career as a Line Cook in Providence usually involves several important steps to build the skills and qualifications employers seek.
- Consider pursuing culinary education programs such as the Culinary Arts Associate Degree at Johnson & Wales University, which offers foundational culinary skills and teamwork experience.
- Advancing through the Culinary Arts Bachelor of Science at Johnson & Wales University can enhance your career options with greater management and critical thinking training.
- Obtaining certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of important food safety procedures, a requirement for most kitchens.
- The Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation is a respected entry-level certification that demonstrates professional culinary competency.
- On-the-job experience, starting as an apprentice or kitchen helper, is essential to mastering culinary techniques and advancing to a Line Cook position.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Providence
Providence is home to a variety of notable restaurants and chains seeking skilled Line Cooks, including:
- Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
- The Cheesecake Factory
- The District
- P.F. Chang's
- Chili's
Establishments That Line Cooks in Providence Work At
Line Cooks work across a broad spectrum of food service establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Provide steady employment and moderate wages. Variety in menus allows skill development.
- Fast Casual Outlets: Often offer fast-paced environments, but tend to have lower pay scales.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Usually pay higher and require refined culinary techniques.
- Hotels and Resorts: Can provide higher salaries along with benefits and opportunities for advancement.
The type of establishment significantly influences earning potential, with more upscale or specialized dining venues offering better salaries for experienced Line Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Providence for Line Cooks
If you are interested in careers closely related to Line Cook, you might want to explore several similar roles within the hospitality sector in Providence.
These include Chef de Partie, Commis Chef, and Fry Cook, each offering diverse experiences and salary ranges within the culinary industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Providence
Understanding relevant labor laws and tax regulations can help Line Cooks manage employment and financial responsibilities effectively in Providence.
- Visit the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for state labor laws and employment resources.
- For federal tax information, the Internal Revenue Service provides comprehensive guidance on employee tax obligations.
- The U.S. Department of Labor offers information on federal labor laws, including wages, hours, and working conditions.