Line Cook Salary in St. Louis, MO
Line Cooks in St. Louis, MO, in 2025, earn approximately $17.55 per hour, translating to about $702.00 per week, $3,042.00 per month, and $36,504.00 per year.
The employment outlook for Line Cooks is positive, with job demand expected to grow by about 5% per year, indicating a healthy increase in opportunities in the St. Louis area.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in St. Louis, MO?
The salary of a Line Cook in St. Louis varies by experience, skill level, and establishment, but below is a general guide to earnings based on experience tiers.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,466.67 | $41,600.00 |
Do Line Cooks in St. Louis Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips directly, as tips are typically distributed among servers and front-of-house staff. However, some establishments may offer tip pooling, but it is not guaranteed. Their primary income comes from their salary or hourly wages.
Line Cook Salary in St. Louis vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of about $17.55 per hour, the same as the St. Louis average hourly rate.
Yearly, this translates to around $36,504.00, which matches closely with the salaries seen in St. Louis.
This parity suggests that St. Louis offers competitive compensation for Line Cooks relative to the broader U.S. market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Louis for Line Cooks
Nearby areas with higher pay rates for Line Cooks include:
- Chesterfield: $18.09 per hour
- Saint Charles: $16.89 per hour
Line Cooks commuting to Chesterfield tend to earn a premium compared to St. Louis, while Saint Charles pays slightly less than St. Louis averages.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in St. Louis?
Several key factors impact the salary of a Line Cook in St. Louis:
- Experience: Entry-level Line Cooks earn less, while those with several years of experience command higher wages.
- Skills: Cooks with specialized culinary skills or high efficiency often get better pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants tend to offer higher wages compared to casual dining or fast food settings.
- Shift Timing: Night or weekend shifts may provide shift differentials or bonuses.
- Education and Certification: Culinary education or food safety certifications can lead to increased earning potential.
How To Become a Line Cook in St. Louis
Becoming a Line Cook in St. Louis involves a combination of practical experience and formal training.
Consider the following steps:
- Enroll in culinary training programs such as the St. Louis Community College Culinary Training Program, a no-cost, 16-week program designed to prepare students for entry-level food service jobs.
- Obtain essential certifications like the ServSafe Certification, which ensures knowledge of food and beverage safety standards.
- Gain hands-on experience by working in kitchens, starting as a prep cook or kitchen assistant.
These steps improve both skillset and employability in St. Louis kitchens.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in St. Louis
Notable establishments currently hiring Line Cooks in St. Louis include:
- St. Louis Country Club
- Lodging Hospitality Management
- Norwood Hills Country Club
Establishments That Line Cooks in St. Louis Work At
Line Cooks typically work in a wide variety of food service establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer moderate wages and steady hours.
- Fast Casual Chains: Generally lower wage but faster-paced environments.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Higher salaries and tips might sometimes trickle down but demand higher culinary expertise.
- Country Clubs and Hotels: Often provide slightly better pay along with benefits.
The type of establishment can significantly influence pay scale and advancement opportunities for Line Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Louis for Line Cooks
If you're considering alternative or related roles in the hospitality industry, these careers bear similarity to Line Cook responsibilities:
This includes roles such as Fry Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef de Partie, each with overlapping skills and varying salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in St. Louis
Line Cooks should be knowledgeable about relevant labor laws and tax regulations affecting their employment:
- For federal labor laws and general employment information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
- For state-specific labor laws, wage requirements, and employment resources, refer to the Missouri Department of Labor.