What Restaurants Do Line Cooks Make the Most Money at in Hammond, IN?

Restaurants Where Line Cooks Make the Most Money at in Hammond, IN: Key Takeaways

The average hourly wage for Line Cooks in Hammond, IN ranges from $13.06 to $20.00.
Freddy's Steak House offers the highest pay for Line Cooks in the area at around $20 per hour.
Tips for Line Cooks in Hammond typically range from $2 to $7 per hour depending on the restaurant's style and location.

Line Cooks in Hammond, Indiana earn competitive wages that vary with restaurant type and location.

This article provides a detailed look at which local restaurants pay the most for Line Cooks and how tips can significantly boost earnings.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Line Cooks in Hammond, IN

Freddy's Steak House

Freddy's Steak House is known for its classic American steakhouse fare and a quality dining experience. The restaurant is a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking hearty meals.

Line Cooks at Freddy's earn the top hourly wage in Hammond at around $20.

For those managing the hiring process, check our guide to hiring a cook to streamline recruitment.

Bombers BBQ

Bombers BBQ specializes in smoked meats and signature barbecue dishes with a dedicated customer base. It's a friendly place with a passion for authentic BBQ flavors.

Line Cooks here make about $17 per hour, benefiting from the restaurant's steady business.

Wingstop

Wingstop is a popular fast-casual restaurant focusing on chicken wings with bold flavors and quick service.

Line Cook positions pay around $14.50 per hour here, reflecting the fast-food style.

Logan's Roadhouse

Logan's Roadhouse delivers a casual dining experience with a focus on hearty American classics and a Western-style ambiance.

Their Line Cooks earn approximately $13.06 per hour, typical for large chain casual restaurants.

Panda Express

Panda Express is a well-known fast-food chain offering American Chinese cuisine in a quick-service format.

Line Cooks at Panda Express make about $15.86 per hour, providing a balance between fast food and specialty cuisine pay.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Line Cook Earnings in Hammond, IN

Line Cook earnings vary significantly based on the type of restaurant. Upscale steakhouses and specialty BBQ places tend to pay closer to the upper hourly wage range.

Fast-casual and chain restaurants generally offer lower base pay but may provide consistent hours and opportunities for tips or bonuses.

Additional factors influencing pay include:

Experience and Certifications: Cooks with food safety and culinary certifications often command higher wages.
Location: Restaurants in busier commercial areas or near entertainment hubs tend to pay more.
Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts sometimes come with premium pay or more tipping opportunities.

Employers looking to improve staff retention might benefit from our article on strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.

How To Find a High Paying Line Cook Job in Hammond, IN

Research and Target Local Steakhouses and BBQ Spots: Focus on places like Freddy's Steak House and Bombers BBQ that pay higher wages.
Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe can improve your employability and wages.
Prepare a Polished Resume: Highlight your cooking skills, previous experience, and any certifications prominently.
Network with Industry Professionals: Attend local hospitality events or connect with current restaurant staff for insider job leads.
Practice Interview Skills: Be ready to discuss your cooking techniques, teamwork abilities, and handling of busy kitchen environments.

Job seekers can benefit from our career page on how to become a cook for advice on preparing for a cooking career.

What’s the Outlook for Line Cook Jobs in Hammond, IN in 2025 and Beyond?

The demand for Line Cooks in Hammond is expected to remain steady through 2025 as the local food and hospitality industry continues to recover and expand.

Growth in casual dining and quick service restaurants is likely to generate new opportunities, particularly for cooks willing to work flexible hours.

Market trends suggest:

Steady hiring needs in areas with growing population and tourism.
Preference for cooks with experience and certifications.
Possible wage increases tied to labor market competition and inflation.

For hiring managers, consulting our spotlight on how to hire a kitchen manager may provide useful leadership insights helpful to kitchen staffing decisions.

Is a Line Cook’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Hammond, IN?

With wages ranging up to $20 per hour plus tips of $2 to $7 per hour, a Line Cook working full-time can expect to earn between $32,000 and $52,000 annually including tips.

Living costs in Hammond are relatively affordable:

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $900 per month
Utilities and internet: Around $150 per month
Groceries and essentials: $300–$450 per month

These earnings typically provide a comfortable lifestyle for a single person or a couple with modest expenses.

Job seekers interested in optimizing their salary offers should read this guide on how to negotiate salary.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Hammond, IN Line Cook Jobs

We prioritized restaurants offering competitive wages and positive work environments. These spots are also known for steady customer traffic and good staff support.

Location and Accessibility

Restaurants in accessible commercial zones with high foot traffic were favored to ensure consistent employment opportunities.

Reputation and Employee Reviews

We considered establishments with favorable employee feedback regarding wages, tips, and benefits to highlight reliable workplaces.

Pay and Benefits

Higher base pay combined with potential tip income and benefits like flexible schedules or training programs influenced our selections.

01. Which restaurant pays the best for Line Cooks in Hammond, IN?

Freddy's Steak House offers the highest hourly pay for Line Cooks in Hammond, IN, around $20 per hour.

02. How much does a Line Cook in Hammond, IN earn from tips?

Line Cooks can earn additional tips ranging approximately from $2 to $7 per hour, depending on the restaurant’s tipping policies and type.

03. Is it easy to find a job as a Line Cook in Hammond, IN?

Finding a job as a Line Cook is relatively accessible in Hammond, especially in casual and fast-casual dining establishments. Competitive pay roles may require some experience or certifications.

04. What is the career path for Line Cooks in Hammond, IN?

Line Cooks may advance to positions such as prep cook, sous chef, or kitchen manager, especially by gaining experience, certifications, and leadership skills.