Line Cook Salary in The Woodlands, TX
Line Cooks in The Woodlands, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $17.25 per hour, which translates to about $690.00 per week, $2,990.00 per month, and $35,880.00 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in The Woodlands is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding market for dining and hospitality services in the region.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in The Woodlands, TX?
The salary of a Line Cook in The Woodlands can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.65 | $586.00 | $2,534.67 | $30,400.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.25 | $690.00 | $2,985.00 | $35,880.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.33 | $813.20 | $3,512.53 | $42,270.40 |
Do Line Cooks in The Woodlands Earn Tips?
Line Cooks typically do not earn tips as their role is primarily kitchen-focused and does not involve direct customer interaction. Their earnings mostly come from their base salary or hourly wages.
Line Cook Salary in The Woodlands vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $17.25 per hour, translating to about $35,880 per year.
In The Woodlands, TX, the salaries are in line with the national average with an hourly wage of $17.25 and an annual salary of $35,880.
This parity suggests a balanced marketplace for Line Cooks in The Woodlands compared to national trends.
Highest-Paying Areas Near The Woodlands for Line Cooks
Looking at nearby areas, the following locations offer competitive pay for Line Cooks:
- Houston: $19.00 per hour
- Conroe: $18.75 per hour
Line Cooks might find slightly higher compensation in Houston, while Conroe remains a close competitor, offering solid pay rates near The Woodlands.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in The Woodlands?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Line Cook in The Woodlands:
- Experience Level and Skills: More experienced Line Cooks with advanced skills such as knife techniques and familiarity with various cuisines tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale restaurants or hotels often offers better pay than casual or fast-food establishments.
- Shift Timing: Night or weekend shifts may come with added pay incentives.
- Certifications: Holding culinary certifications or food safety licenses can improve salary potential.
How To Become a Line Cook in The Woodlands
To pursue a career as a Line Cook in The Woodlands, consider these steps:
- Obtain Culinary Training: Enrolling at institutions such as the Culinary Institute Lenôtre in Houston provides valuable hands-on education in culinary arts and kitchen management.
- Acquire Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Certification administered by the National Restaurant Association is highly regarded and often required in the industry.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting as a kitchen assistant or prep cook can give essential on-the-job training.
- Develop a Strong Work Ethic: Demonstrating reliability, teamwork, and efficiency helps in career advancement.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in The Woodlands
Leading employers in The Woodlands that actively seek skilled Line Cooks include:
- True Food Kitchen
- Bluestone Lane
- P.F. Chang's
Establishments That Line Cooks in The Woodlands Work At
Line Cooks are typically employed across various types of foodservice establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These places offer consistent work hours but might provide moderate wages.
- Fast Casual Chains: Higher volume and faster pace environments, sometimes with less pay than full-service restaurants but potential for advancement.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often provide better pay and benefits due to the scale and prestige of the establishment.
- Fine Dining: Requires elevated culinary skills and often offers the highest salaries within the Line Cook segment.
The type of establishment impacts earnings, with fine dining and reputable hotels generally providing higher wages than fast food or casual venues.
Related Hospitality Jobs in The Woodlands for Line Cooks
If you are interested in similar roles within the hospitality sector, you might consider these careers:
These include Chef de Partie, Fry Cook, and Prep Cook roles, which are closely related to the skills and duties of a Line Cook.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in The Woodlands
Line Cooks should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax regulations that apply to their work and earnings.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific workforce rules and support, check the Texas Workforce Commission site.