Line Cook Jobs in NYC – February 2025 Job Listings
We’ve collected 78 Line Cook jobs in New York City, highlighting salary details, requirements and benefits.
78 Line Cook Jobs in New York City
Looking for Line Cook jobs in NYC? Explore our list of 78 Line Cook positions that you can apply for today.
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How To Apply for Line Cook Jobs in NYC
Getting hired as a Line Cook in NYC requires preparation and persistence. Here’s how to improve your chances:
- Update Your Resume: Highlight any previous kitchen experience, food prep skills, or relevant culinary training. If you’ve worked in high-volume kitchens or specialized cuisines, be sure to mention that.
- Get Certified: While not always required, having a Food Handler’s Certificate from the NYC Department of Health can make you a more attractive candidate.
- Network in the Industry: Many chefs hire based on recommendations, so connect with others in the restaurant business for job leads.
- Be Ready for a Working Interview (Stage): Some restaurants will ask you to do a “stage” (a short unpaid trial shift) to demonstrate your skills before offering a job.
- Use Hospitality Job Boards: Check OysterLink, one of the top job boards for hospitality roles, to find the latest Line Cook jobs in NYC.
Why Work as a Line Cook in NYC?
New York City is one of the top culinary capitals of the world, making it an excellent place for aspiring chefs. Here’s why working as a Line Cook in NYC can be a great career move:
- Competitive Pay: Line Cooks in NYC earn between $40,000 and $55,000 per year, with wages varying by experience, restaurant type, and location. High-end restaurants and busy kitchens often offer better pay.
- Endless Learning Opportunities: Working in NYC’s kitchens allows you to develop skills in diverse cuisines, from Italian and French to Japanese and modern fusion.
- Career Advancement: Many of today’s top chefs started as Line Cooks. With experience, you can move up to Sous Chef, Executive Chef, or even open your own restaurant.
- High Demand for Skilled Cooks: NYC’s restaurant scene is always hiring, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to secure steady work.
Key Responsibilities of a Line Cook in NYC
As a Line Cook, your main tasks will include:
- Preparing and cooking dishes according to restaurant standards
- Managing your assigned kitchen station (grill, sauté, fry, etc.)
- Following proper food safety and sanitation guidelines
- Assisting with food prep, including chopping, marinating, and portioning ingredients
- Maintaining a clean and organized workstation
- Working efficiently under pressure, especially during peak dining hours
Top Areas to Find Line Cook Jobs in NYC
With thousands of restaurants throughout the city, there are opportunities in every borough. Some of the best neighborhoods to find Line Cook jobs in NYC include:
- Staten Island – A great area for those looking to work in family-run establishments or waterfront dining spots
- Manhattan – Ideal for those looking to work in fine dining, hotel kitchens, or high-end steakhouses
- Brooklyn – Known for its thriving food scene, including farm-to-table restaurants and artisanal eateries
- Queens – Offers a mix of diverse cuisines, from authentic Asian street food to traditional Italian trattorias
- The Bronx – Home to classic New York pizzerias, seafood spots, and local neighborhood restaurants
How Much Can You Earn From Line Cooks Jobs in NYC?
Line Cooks working in New York City have an average salary of $48,007 per year or $23.08 per hour.
That said, NYC Line Cooks earn around 41.90% more than the U.S. average for the same occupation.
[Calculated using Indeed, Salary.com, ZipRecruiter and Talent.com data]
Line Cook NYC Jobs FAQ
Working as a full-time Line Cook in New York City will get you an average monthly salary of $4,000.
Some estimates show that living in New York City requires a minimum income of $5,410 per month to cover basic living expenses such as rent and food. This is about 35% more than what Line Cooks in NYC make on average.
So, the simple answer would be no, in most cases working as a Line Cook in NYC would not be enough to cover your basic expenses.
Some of the most common skills and requirements in NYC Line Cook job ads are:
- Minimum of one year of cooking experience in a fast-paced, hot environment
- Strong knife skills
- Knowledge of food safety regulations
- Willingness to work weekends and holidays
How We Collected These Line Cook Jobs in NYC
When choosing what jobs to feature in our listing, we followed these three criteria:
- Good hourly pay: Most of the jobs on this list pay close to or above the average hourly wage in New York City ($23.08).
- Generous benefits package: We choose employers that offer important benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) and paid time off.
- Established brands: We filtered the job openings to include only credible companies that are highly regarded in the restaurant industry.
