What Restaurants Do Line Cooks Make the Most Money at in Cambridge, MA?

Restaurants Where Line Cooks Make the Most Money at in Cambridge, MA: Key Takeaways

The average base pay for Line Cooks in Cambridge is approximately $21 to $24 per hour.
Line Cooks in Cambridge typically do not earn significant tips compared to front-of-house positions but may benefit from occasional tip pooling.
Oleana and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants are among the top-paying employers for Line Cooks in Cambridge.

Line Cooks in Cambridge, MA, earn competitive wages ranging from around $20.50 to $24 per hour, reflecting the city's strong culinary scene and hospitality industry.

For a full understanding of the role and responsibilities, you can check a detailed Line Cook interview questions guide.

This article provides a detailed overview of the highest paying restaurants for Line Cooks in Cambridge and discusses factors impacting earnings.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Line Cooks in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge offers a diverse culinary scene with a mix of upscale hotels, fine dining, and hospitality groups that provide rewarding pay for skilled Line Cooks.

Understanding the complexities of restaurant staffing can help employers attract and retain talented line cooks. For more detailed hiring guidance, see our Restaurant Staff Hiring strategies.

1. Oleana

Oleana is renowned for its elegant Mediterranean-inspired cuisine crafted with fresh, local ingredients, and offers Line Cooks one of the highest pay rates in the area at around $24 per hour.

2. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

A boutique hotel chain known for stylish dining venues throughout Cambridge, Kimpton employs Line Cooks with an average pay of approximately $21.70 per hour in its restaurants.

3. Davidson Hospitality Group

This group operates several popular dining spots and bars, offering Line Cooks competitive wages near $21.45 per hour and opportunities to work in varied culinary styles.

4. Restaurant Associates

Specializing in corporate and event catering, Restaurant Associates pays Line Cooks around $21.11 per hour and provides experience in fast-paced, diverse food preparation settings.

5. FLIK Hospitality Group

FLIK operates dining services in corporate and educational institutions, compensating Line Cooks in Cambridge typically near $20.52 per hour. Their structured environments offer valuable experience in volume cooking.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Line Cook Earnings in Cambridge, MA

The type and prestige of the restaurant heavily influence how much a Line Cook can earn in Cambridge.

Upscale restaurants and boutique hotels generally offer the highest base wages due to the volume of business and customer expectations.
Corporate and institutional dining providers offer steady work but with slightly lower wages and less opportunity for tips.
Line Cooks with specialized skills or culinary certifications can sometimes command premium pay, particularly in fine dining.

Line Cooks looking to advance should consider understanding the culinary hierarchy and skills needed to move up. Check out the differences between Line Cook and Prep Cook roles to better plan career growth.

Although Line Cooks typically receive limited tips, establishments with tip pooling or staff gratuity sharing can add a modest supplement, usually an extra $1 to $5 per hour in certain venues.

How To Find a High Paying Line Cook Job in Cambridge, MA

Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter

Highlight previous kitchen experience, culinary training, and any certifications such as ServSafe or culinary arts diplomas to stand out to potential employers.

Need tips on writing effective culinary resumes? See our Chef cover letter examples and templates for inspiration.

Network in the Local Culinary Scene

Attend Cambridge food festivals, industry events, and cooking workshops to meet hiring managers and chefs who might offer job openings.

Prioritize Reputation and Benefits

Target restaurants known for paying well, having strong management, and offering benefits such as health insurance or paid time off.

Consider applying to upscale hotels and well-regarded hospitality groups where pay tends to be better.
Be prepared for hands-on interviews and practical cooking tests.

Employers seeking to hire skilled kitchen staff can learn more from our guide on hiring reliable kitchen staff.

What’s the Outlook for Line Cook Jobs in Cambridge, MA in 2025 and Beyond?

Line Cook positions in Cambridge are expected to remain steady or grow slightly through 2025 as the city maintains its vibrant dining and hospitality industry.

Increasing tourism and local demand for diverse dining options support continued job availability.

According to labor market forecasts, culinary positions including Line Cooks should see stable demand fueled by new restaurant openings and expansions in catering and hotels.

Focus on culinary skills and adaptability to ensure competitiveness in the job market.
Experience with diverse cuisines can improve employability in Cambridge's multicultural food scene.

Is a Line Cook’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Cambridge, MA?

With average hourly wages ranging from about $20.50 to $24, a full-time Line Cook in Cambridge can expect an annual income between $42,500 and $50,000.

While tips are generally minimal, some establishments offer small gratuity shares that increment total earnings.

Cambridge's cost of living is moderate compared to nearby Boston:

Average rent for one-bedroom apartment: Around $2,100 per month
Utilities and internet: Typically $150 to $200 per month
Groceries and food expenses: Approximately $300 to $400 per month

With careful budgeting, a Line Cook’s salary can cover basic living costs in Cambridge, though shared housing or supplemental income may improve comfort.

For a broader perspective on hospitality wages and salary trends, consult our Hospitality wages forecast for 2025.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Cambridge, MA Line Cook Jobs

We selected these restaurants based on multiple factors that directly impact Line Cook earnings and job satisfaction.

Competitive pay rates: Only restaurants offering above-average wages were included.
Location and accessibility: Restaurants easily accessible in Cambridge with steady customer flow.
Work environment and benefits: Preference for establishments with positive reputations for management, work culture, and employee benefits.

These criteria ensure that Line Cooks find not only good pay but also workplaces conducive to career growth and stability.

01. Which restaurant pays the best for Line Cooks in Cambridge, MA?

Oleana offers the highest pay for Line Cooks in Cambridge, averaging about $24 per hour, making it an excellent option for culinary professionals seeking competitive wages.

02. How much does a Line Cook in Cambridge, MA earn from tips?

Line Cooks typically earn minimal tips as they are back-of-house staff, but some restaurants have tip pooling or sharing systems that may add a small amount, usually $1 to $5 per hour.

03. Is it easy to find a job as a Line Cook in Cambridge, MA?

Finding a job as a Line Cook in Cambridge can be straightforward if you have relevant experience and certifications; however, competition increases for roles in higher-paying, upscale establishments.

04. What is the career path for Line Cooks in Cambridge, MA?

Line Cooks in Cambridge can advance to roles such as Prep Cook, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager by gaining experience, improving culinary skills, and obtaining certifications.