Restaurants Where Line Cooks Make the Most Money at in Lexington, KY: Key Takeaways
- The average hourly wage for Line Cooks in Lexington, KY is around $17.50 per hour.
- Goodfellas Pizzeria offers the highest hourly pay among local restaurants, with about $19.91 per hour.
- While Line Cooks typically do not receive tips directly, bonuses or tip sharing in some restaurants can add an additional $2-$5 per hour in earnings.
Line Cooks in Lexington earn competitive wages with top payers reaching nearly $20 hourly. This article breaks down leading restaurants and pay structures.
If you're seeking to learn which Lexington restaurants pay Line Cooks best, here’s a detailed guide on salaries and tips.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Line Cooks in Lexington, KY
Lexington offers diverse dining venues where Line Cooks can earn attractive wages and develop culinary skills.
The following are some of the best paying local restaurants:
Goodfellas Pizzeria
Known for its authentic New York-style pizza, Goodfellas Pizzeria is a popular Lexington eatery with a loyal customer base.
Line Cooks here earn approximately $19.91 per hour, the highest among the local competitors.
Learn more about the effective restaurant staff hiring strategies that help establishments like Goodfellas maintain a skilled kitchen team.
The Cheesecake Factory
A nationwide chain famous for its extensive menu and desserts, The Cheesecake Factory offers solid wages and consistent schedules in Lexington.
Line Cooks typically earn about $17.22 per hour at this location.
P.F. Chang's
This Asian-themed restaurant chain is well-regarded for its fusion dishes and elegant decor, providing competitive pay to its kitchen staff.
Line Cooks at P.F. Chang's earned approximately $16.90 per hour in Lexington.
For those interested in career growth, exploring the line cook interview questions can help prepare for next steps in the culinary field.
Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment
A local upscale group specializing in steakhouse and seafood dining, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment offers a slightly above-average hourly wage to Line Cooks.
Hourly pay averages around $16.77.
City Barbeque
City Barbeque is beloved for its smoked meats and casual atmosphere, providing fair wages for kitchen staff.
Line Cooks here earn about $16.71 per hour.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Line Cook Earnings in Lexington, KY
The type of restaurant significantly affects how much Line Cooks earn. Upscale eateries tend to offer higher base wages due to the complexity of dishes and clientele expectations.
In Lexington, casual dining or fast-casual spots might pay less but offer steadier hours, whereas upscale and specialty restaurants provide better hourly pay.
Tips are not usually a large part of a Line Cook's income, but some establishments share tips or offer bonuses, adding $2 to $5 per hour on average.
Key factors include:
- Location: Restaurants in busy or tourist areas often pay more.
- Certifications: Culinary certifications can boost earning potential.
- Experience: More skilled Line Cooks command higher wages.
Understanding kitchen staff roles and responsibilities can be valuable for both employers and employees; see our comprehensive restaurant position descriptions guide.
How To Find a High Paying Line Cook Job in Lexington, KY
Build a Strong Resume
Highlight your culinary skills, previous experience, and any certifications to catch the eye of potential employers.
Network in the Local Food Industry
Attend culinary events or join local chef groups to learn about openings and referrals for better-paying jobs.
Networking tips and strategies can be explored further in our spotlight on hospitality career mentorship.
Apply to Upscale Restaurants
Focus your job search on establishments known for fine dining and higher wages, like Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment.
Prepare for Interviews
Practice common culinary interview questions and demonstrate flexibility and teamwork skills during interviews.
If you want to prepare thoroughly, our line cook interview questions page is a great resource.
What’s the Outlook for Line Cook Jobs in Lexington, KY in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Line Cooks in Lexington is projected to remain stable with moderate growth, driven by increasing dining-out trends and new restaurant openings.
Economic recovery and local culinary expansion bode well for job seekers with relevant skills and experience.
Trends indicate:
- More opportunities in casual dining and fast-casual concepts
- Steady demand in upscale and specialty restaurants
- Greater emphasis on food safety certifications and kitchen efficiency
Is a Line Cook’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Lexington, KY?
With an average pay of about $17.50 per hour, plus potential tips or bonuses, a full-time Line Cook can earn roughly $37,000 annually.
Lexington’s cost of living is moderate, with an average rent of approximately $900 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Utilities: Around $150 per month
- Groceries and food: $300 to $400 monthly
- Transportation: Moderate expense, depending on commute
For many Line Cooks, this salary supports a comfortable lifestyle, especially with careful budgeting or shared housing.
For detailed information on managing hospitality salaries, check our spotlight on restaurant wages compared by state.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Lexington, KY Line Cook Jobs
We selected restaurants that offer competitive hourly wages and maintain solid reputations within Lexington’s food scene.
Furthermore, we prioritized establishments known for good work environments and potential opportunities for advancement.
- Location: Central Lexington eateries with consistent patronage
- Reputation: Well-reviewed and popular with patrons
- Employee benefits: Restaurants offering health benefits or tip sharing practices
These factors ensure a balanced combination of pay, stability, and growth potential.
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