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Lead Line Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Draper Brothers Chophouse

Lead Line Cook

Madison, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Lead Line Cook Location: Draper Brothers Chophouse. Job Type: Full-Time. Reports To: Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager. Position Summary: The Lead Line Cook / Broiler Cook is responsible for managing ...

Fred Investments LLC

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Lead Line Cook or Line Cook

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Might as Well Bar & Grill is looking for line cook and a lead line cook. For line cook experience is great but we are always willing to train a motivated candidate. For lead line cook we are looking ...

Mezza Luna

$18 - $22/hr

Join Our Team as a Lead Line Cook at Mezza Luna Are you passionate about creating delicious dishes and providing exceptional culinary experiences? Mezza Luna is seeking a talented Lead Line Cook to ...

Las Colinas

Lead Line Cook

Irving, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Lead Line Cook Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and motivated Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking, strong leadership abilities, and a ...

Fred Investments LLC

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Lead Line Cook or Line Cook

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Might as Well Bar & Grill is looking for line cook and a lead line cook. For line cook experience is great but we are always willing to train a motivated candidate. For lead line cook we are looking ...

Sail Loft

Lead Line Cook

Dartmouth, MA

$20 - $24/hr

We are looking to hire a hard-working and experienced lead line cook to oversee all food preparation activities and ensure that high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained. The lead line ...

TCH Social Las Colinas

Lead Line Cook

Irving, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Lead Line Cook Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and motivated Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking, strong leadership abilities, and a ...

Mezza Luna

Lead Line Cook

Neptune Beach, FL

$18 - $22/hr

Join Our Team as a Lead Line Cook at Mezza Luna Are you passionate about creating delicious dishes and providing exceptional culinary experiences? Mezza Luna is seeking a talented Lead Line Cook to ...

Branch Line

Line Cook

Watertown, MA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Lead line cook must have 1+ year in high-volume scratch kitchen We look forward to hearing from you!

RMD Group, LLC

Lead Line Cook

San Diego, CA

$21.50 - $23/hr

Lead Line Cook Hourly | Part-Time | $21.50-$23.00/hr + Tip-Eligible We're seeking experienced, dependable Lead Line Cooks who thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume culinary environment. This role is ...

Little Maven

Lead Line Cook

New York, NY

$22 - $25/hr

Little Maven, is seeking a lead line cook/ tournant to join our team of passionate professionals. This role will include hands-on training from our chefs in order to provide the highest standard of ...

Lark Hospitality

Lead Line Cook

New Braunfels, TX · On-site

$22/hr

The Lead Line Cook will lead the culinary team during service periods, work closely with the Executive Chef and Sous Chef in recipe development and costing. Be responsible for; ensuring consistent ...

Square One Concepts Inc.

Lead Line Cook

Oro Valley, AZ · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

As the Lead Line Cook, you will be responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, coordinating food preparation, and ensuring all dishes are prepared to the highest standards. Your expertise ...

Square One Concepts

Lead Line Cook

Oro Valley, AZ · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

As the Lead Line Cook, you will be responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, coordinating food preparation, and ensuring all dishes are prepared to the highest standards. Your expertise ...

Adele's Nashville

Lead Line Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We're currently looking for a Lead Line Cook to join our team! From wood-fired favorites to fresh, vibrant flavors, Adele's offers an unforgettable dining experience, and we're excited to welcome ...

Jupiter Supper Club

Lead Line Cook

Austin, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Lead Line Cook Position Overview The Lead Line Cook plays a key role in executing daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency during service. This position supports the ...

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Lead Line Cook information

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How much do lead line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead line cook in the United States is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are lead line cooks?

Lead line cooks are experienced culinary professionals responsible for overseeing a particular section or station in the kitchen, ensuring that food is prepared correctly and on time. They supervise other line cooks, help with kitchen organization, and maintain high standards for food quality and safety. Lead line cooks often collaborate with the head chef and sous chef, assist with menu planning, and may train new kitchen staff. Their leadership is crucial to a kitchen's smooth and efficient operation.

What are some common challenges Lead Line Cooks face when managing a busy kitchen shift?

Lead Line Cooks often juggle multiple tasks during peak hours, from overseeing food preparation and plating to coordinating with kitchen staff and communicating with front-of-house teams. Common challenges include maintaining consistency and quality under pressure, managing inventory shortages, and quickly resolving unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or staff absences. Effective time management, clear communication, and adaptability are essential to ensure smooth operations and uphold high culinary standards during busy shifts.

What is the difference between Lead Line Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectLead Line CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesOversees station, mentors staff, ensures qualityPrepares dishes, follows recipes, maintains station
CredentialsExperience, culinary skills, leadershipBasic culinary training, experience preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchen, supervisory roleKitchen station, food prep

The Lead Line Cook typically has more experience and takes on supervisory duties, overseeing other cooks and ensuring quality standards. The Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes according to recipes and maintaining station efficiency. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Lead Line Cook also demonstrates leadership and organizational abilities.

Where do line cooks get paid the most?

Line cooks tend to earn higher wages in regions with a high cost of living and a strong hospitality industry, such as major metropolitan areas or affluent regions. Factors like experience, skill level, and the type of establishment also influence pay rates, with upscale restaurants and hotels often offering higher compensation.

How to become a lead cook?

To become a lead line cook, gain several years of experience working in a professional kitchen, develop strong cooking skills, and demonstrate leadership and reliability. Many employers prefer candidates with culinary certifications or formal training, and advancing often involves taking on supervisory responsibilities and improving efficiency and teamwork skills.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks are often executive chef or head chef positions in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, where salaries can exceed $80,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or restaurant owners also tend to offer higher compensation, especially with extensive experience and advanced culinary skills.

What are the duties of a lead line cook?

A lead line cook oversees kitchen station operations, ensures food quality and presentation, trains and supervises other cooks, and maintains safety and sanitation standards. They coordinate with the kitchen team to ensure timely service and may assist with menu preparation and inventory management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Line Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Line Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in high-volume kitchens, usually supported by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, maintain food quality and safety, and foster a positive work environment.
What cities are hiring for Lead Line Cook jobs? Cities with the most Lead Line Cook job openings:
What states have the most Lead Line Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Line Cook jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Line Cook jobs? For Lead Line Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Line Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Line Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Lead Line Cook

Draper Brothers Chophouse

Madison, WI • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Lead Line Cook 

Location: Draper Brothers Chophouse.
Job Type: Full-Time.
Reports To: Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager.
Position Summary:

The Lead Line Cook / Broiler Cook is responsible for managing the broiler station and supporting overall line operations in a high-volume steakhouse kitchen. This role requires expert knowledge of steak preparation, precise temperature control, and strong leadership skills to ensure consistent food quality, proper timing, and smooth service. The Lead Line Cook helps guide line cooks, maintains kitchen standards, and ensures all dishes meet the restaurant’s quality expectations.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and cook steaks and proteins on the broiler according to restaurant specifications and guest preferences.
  • Maintain proper grill and broiler temperatures to ensure consistent doneness and quality.
  • Lead and support line cooks during service to maintain efficient kitchen operations.
  • Coordinate ticket timing with other stations to ensure all dishes are completed simultaneously.
  • Monitor product quality, portion control, and plate presentation.
  • Assist with training and mentoring new line cooks and kitchen staff.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation at all times.
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards.
  • Assist with prep work, inventory rotation, and product labeling as needed.
  • Communicate effectively with the kitchen team and management during service.

Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of line cook experience, preferably in a steakhouse or high-volume kitchen.
  • Strong experience working with broilers, grills, and high-heat cooking equipment.
  • Thorough knowledge of steak cuts, temperatures, and cooking techniques.
  • Ability to work efficiently under pressure during busy service periods.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous experience as a lead line cook or kitchen supervisor.
  • Experience training or mentoring kitchen staff.
  • Passion for high-quality steak and protein preparation.

Compensation & Benefits:
  • Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
  • Employee meal program.
  • Opportunities for advancement.

Schedule:
  • Evenings, weekends, and holidays required.
  • Full-time availability preferred.