Line Cook Jobs in New York

A line cook preparing a dish

Offering a variety of flavors in every corner of its vibrant streets, from cozy bistros to traditional steakhouses, New York City provides plenty of job possibilities for line cooks.

Continue reading to learn the legal requirements and salary trends for line cook jobs in New York and explore the top job opportunities along with the most frequently asked questions applicants ask.

Top Line Cook Jobs in New York

To help you access the top positions, we have researched and selected five job opportunities you may like to try out.

1. Line Cook I Eleven Madison Park I NYC

Eleven Madison Park logo
[Source: Eleven Madison Park]
Located in the heart of New York, Eleven Madison Park is a fine dining restaurant famous for its innovative approach to modern American cuisine and exceptional dining experiences.

Led by Chef Daniel Humm, the restaurant has achieved three Michelin stars and a well-deserved place on global restaurant rankings.

  • Salary: $36,000–$45,000 per year
  • Job type: Full-time
  • Benefits: Paid time off (PTO), health insurance, 401(k), referral program
  • How to apply: Visit Eleven Madison Park’s website to apply.

2. Line Cook I Virtual Dining Concepts I NYC

Virtual Dining Concepts logo
[Source: Virtual Dining Concepts]
Virtual Dining Concepts offers a diverse range of delectable cuisines delivered right to the door of the customer.

Functioning as a “ghost kitchen,” VDC leverages technology and culinary creativity to create exceptional dishes allowing New Yorkers to explore a world of flavors from the comfort of their homes.

3. Line Cook I Del Frisco’s Grille New York I NYC 

Del Frisco's Grille logo
[Source: Del Frisco’s Grille]
A vibrant dining destination, Del Frisco’s Grille in NYC combines the tastes of a classic American steakhouse with a modern atmosphere.

From flavorful appetizers and grilled steaks to handcrafted cocktails, Del Frisco’s Grille is a great place for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

  • Salary: $18–$24 per hour
  • Job type: Full-time/Part-time
  • Benefits: Health and vision insurance, paid sick time, employee discounts
  • How to apply: Visit Del Frisco’s Grille’s website to apply.

4. Line Cook I Blue Fin I NYC 

Blue Fin logo
[Source: Blue Fin]
A loved seafood dining destination, Blue Fin is known to sophisticated culinary experience lovers as “the jewel of Times Square.”

Its prime location and elegant ambiance present the perfect scene for delicious seafood creations and expertly prepared sushi and sashimi.

  • Salary: $18–$25 per hour
  • Job type: Full-time/Part-time
  • Benefits: Health, disability and vision insurance, flexible schedule, paid sick leave
  • How to apply: Visit Blue Fin’s website to apply.

5. Line Cook I Dos Caminos I NYC

Dos Caminos logo
[Source: Dos Caminos]
Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Soho, Dos Caminos brings the vibrant and bold spirit of Mexico and its traditional flavors served with a modern twist.

From delicious tacos to flavory regional ingredients, Dos Caminos commits to quality, creativity and innovative culinary techniques.

  • Salary: $18–$25 per hour
  • Job type: Full-time/Part-time
  • Benefits: Employer discount, paid sick leave, health and vision insurance
  • How to apply: Visit Dos Caminos’ website to apply.

Salary Trends for Line Cook Jobs in New York

If you have already familiarized yourself with the line cook job description and think this role can be a good start to your hospitality career, you may wonder how much you can make as a line cook in New York.

Line cooks in New York typically make an average salary between $39,000 and $43,000 per year —this is 15% higher than the U.S. average salary for the position, ranging between $34,000 and $38,000. Generally speaking, line cooks in New York do not traditionally receive tips directly from customers. Tips are usually given to front-of-house staff like servers, bartenders, and sometimes hosts. However, some restaurants may have a “tip pooling” system where a portion of the tips are distributed among all staff, including back-of-house employees like line cooks.

line cook salaries in major cities

Your salary is likely to be impacted by different factors, including:

  • The type of restaurant you are working at, with fine dining restaurants offering higher pay compared to casual dining venues
  • The restaurant location in New York, with Manhattan known to offer higher salaries due to its dense population and higher cost of living
  • Your availability to work overtime

If you want to compare how a line cook’s salary in New York compares to other U.S. cities, check out our blog on line cook salary trends.

Legal Requirements for Line Cook Jobs in New York

To work as a line cook in New York, make sure you meet the following legal requirements:

  • Employment eligibility, including a valid visa and residency status
  • Age of 18 or older
  • A food handler’s license

Don’t miss our blog on the hiring process to understand how employers prepare to recruit the best talent for their establishments.

FAQs About Line Cook Jobs in New York

What types of restaurants need line cooks in New York?

Line cooks can find opportunities in various New York restaurants, from fine dining establishments to casual eateries, bistros, cafes and even food trucks.

What is the typical work environment for a line cook in New York?

Line cooks in New York typically work in fast-paced restaurant kitchens, which can get hectic during peak hours. That’s why it’s important that you can handle pressure, prioritize tasks and maintain efficient performance.

What are the working hours and shifts for line cooks in New York?

Line cooks often work irregular hours, for example in the evenings or during weekends and holidays. Exact working hours and shifts will vary based on the restaurant’s operating hours and demand.

Should line cooks participate in tip pooling?

Is creativity important for a line cook in New York?

Creativity plays an important role in developing daily specials, modifying recipes and presenting your dishes. While line cooks typically follow established recipes, the ability to innovate and adapt can set you apart and help you grow in your career.

How can I stand out as a line cook in the competitive NYC culinary environment?

To stand out among your colleagues, strive to improve your skills, show a positive attitude and dedication and seek opportunities to learn from experienced chefs.

What challenges do line cooks face daily?

The main challenges line cooks face in their daily work include handling peak times, managing multiple orders at the same time, adapting to menu changes and maintaining consistency in dishes.

line cook challenges

What networking opportunities for line cooks can I use in New York?

The versatile culinary scene of New York offers many networking opportunities, such as industry gatherings, workshops and events. Attend these events to meet other professionals, exchange ideas, learn new skills and stay tuned with industry trends.

What are the advancement opportunities beyond a line cook?

As a line cook, you can advance to higher positions within the culinary field, including sous chef or chef de cuisine roles or even managing your own restaurant.

Find the Best Line Cook Jobs in New York with OysterLink

From detailed job descriptions to salary trends and interview questions, OysterLink will streamline your job search and provide valuable insights before you start your line cook journey.

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