Line Cook Salary in Woodbridge, NJ
Line Cooks in Woodbridge, NJ, in 2025, earn approximately $16.66 per hour, which translates to about $666.40 per week, $2,887.73 per month, and $34,652.80 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Woodbridge is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the food service industry in this area.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Woodbridge, NJ?
The salary of a Line Cook in Woodbridge varies depending on experience and employer, but the following table summarizes typical earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.53 | $581.20 | $2,513.73 | $30,146.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.66 | $666.40 | $2,887.73 | $34,652.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.09 | $763.60 | $3,308.27 | $39,667.20 |
Do Line Cooks in Woodbridge Earn Tips?
Line Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is mostly behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their compensation usually comes from their regular hourly wage or salary rather than customer gratuities.
Line Cook Salary in Woodbridge vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which totals approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in Woodbridge make slightly more, earning about $16.66 per hour and $34,652.80 annually. This is likely influenced by regional economic factors and local demand for kitchen staff.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Woodbridge for Line Cooks
Nearby areas offering competitive pay for Line Cooks include:
- Metuchen: $44.24 hourly wage
- Woodbridge: $36.45 hourly wage
Metuchen offers the highest pay among surrounding locations, which may attract Line Cooks seeking elevated earnings close to Woodbridge.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Woodbridge?
Several factors can affect how much a Line Cook earns in Woodbridge, NJ:
- Experience and Skill Level: Those with more kitchen experience and culinary skills often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels can lead to better pay than in fast food chains or casual diners.
- Shift and Hours: Line Cooks working night or weekend shifts might receive differential pay.
- Certifications and Training: Culinary education or food safety certifications may increase earning potential.
- Local Market Demand: Higher demand for skilled kitchen staff in Woodbridge can push salaries upward.
How To Become a Line Cook in Woodbridge
Beginning a career as a Line Cook in Woodbridge involves several important steps:
- Gain Culinary Training: Programs like the Middlesex County Magnet Schools Culinary Arts Program and Perth Amboy Technical School Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive, hands-on training in food preparation and kitchen management.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure knowledge of critical food safety practices.
- Consider Professional Credentials: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation serves as an entry-level certification enhancing your resume.
- Develop Practical Experience: Many Line Cooks start with kitchen assisting roles or internships to build their skills.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Woodbridge
Several well-known organizations are actively hiring Line Cooks in the Woodbridge area, including:
- Applebee's
- Wegmans Food Markets
- Red Robin International
Establishments That Line Cooks in Woodbridge Work At
Line Cooks in Woodbridge typically work in a variety of food service establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These often provide steady work with moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Chains: Typically offer consistent schedules but may have lower base pay.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Usually pay more due to skill requirements and a higher level of service.
- Hotels and Banquet Halls: Often pay competitive wages and may provide benefits.
The type of establishment influences salary, with higher-end restaurants generally offering better pay to attract skilled Line Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Woodbridge for Line Cooks
If you're interested in roles similar to Line Cook, consider these related positions:
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Head Chef roles, which share culinary skills and may offer different salary ranges and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Woodbridge
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is essential for Line Cooks in Woodbridge to protect their rights and comply with employment standards.
- Detailed information on federal labor laws and regulations can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- New Jersey state-specific employment laws and labor information are available at the New Jersey Department of Labor.