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Line Cook Jobs in Waterville, ME (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Augusta, ME · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

As a Broil Cook your responsibilities would include: * High volume restaurant experience * Understand cooking steak temperatures * Meat seasoning, searing, and cooking * Meat seasoning, searing, and ...

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Augusta, ME · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

As a Broil Cook your responsibilities would include: * High volume restaurant experience * Understand cooking steak temperatures * Meat seasoning, searing, and cooking * Meat seasoning, searing, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Line Cook information

See Waterville, ME salary details

$9

$17

$22

How much do line cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for line cook in Waterville, ME is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a line cook?

Line cooks are culinary professionals who work in restaurant kitchens, responsible for preparing and cooking food according to recipes and standards set by the chef. They typically work at specific stations along the kitchen 'line,' such as grill, sauté, or fry, ensuring each dish is cooked correctly and presented well. Line cooks must manage their time efficiently, maintain food safety standards, and communicate effectively with other kitchen staff to ensure a smooth operation during busy service periods.

What is a line cook?

A line cook is a restaurant staff member who works in the kitchen, usually working a particular station on the line during service. As a line cook, your responsibilities and duties may include setting your station mise en place, firing food to order, and plating food. Line cooks work at a station, for example, the grill or fryer, but they are cross-trained to work any position in the kitchen. Your job is to work as a team with the entire kitchen staff to prepare meals that are consistently high in quality and delivered rapidly to the front of the house.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a line cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Line Cook, you need strong culinary skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of food safety, typically gained through experience or culinary training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and health code certifications such as ServSafe are often required. Teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to perform well under pressure are essential soft skills in this fast-paced role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food, and a safe dining experience for customers.

What are common challenges faced by line cooks, and how can they be overcome?

Line cooks often face fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are essential. Managing multiple orders simultaneously and maintaining consistency in food quality can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Building strong communication with the kitchen team and staying organized at your station can help you overcome these challenges. Additionally, developing efficient prep habits and staying calm under pressure will contribute to your success as a line cook.

What is the difference between Line Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectLine CookPrep Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares menu items during service, follows recipes, manages stationPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and preps food for cooking
Work EnvironmentKitchen during service hours, fast-pacedKitchen during prep hours, less hectic
CredentialsFood handler’s permit often required, culinary training optionalFood handler’s permit, basic culinary skills
Industry UsageCommonly employed in restaurants, hotels, cateringFound in similar settings, supports line cooks

While both roles work in kitchens and require food safety knowledge, a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service, whereas a Prep Cook focuses on preparing ingredients beforehand. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Do line cooks make money?

Line cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location, experience, and establishment, with many earning between minimum wage and $15-$20 per hour. Some may receive tips, which can significantly increase total earnings, especially in busy restaurants. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in high-end or high-volume kitchens.

How to get hired as a line cook?

To get hired as a line cook, candidates should have basic cooking skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment. Preparing a resume highlighting relevant experience and certifications, such as food safety training, can improve chances. Applying directly to restaurants or through job boards and demonstrating a strong work ethic are also important steps.

What are popular job titles related to Line Cook jobs in Waterville, ME?

For Line Cook jobs in Waterville, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Waterville, ME are hiring for Line Cook jobs?

Cities near Waterville, ME with the most Line Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Line Cook job openings in Waterville, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,516 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Full Time Line Cook

Applebee's - Waterville

Waterville, ME • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Life

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Flynn Group, founded by Greg Flynn started its journey with the acquisition of 8 Applebee’s in 1999. Over the next two decades we grew by building new stores and acquiring other franchise operators to become the largest Applebee’s franchisee in the world. This strong foundation is what allowed Flynn Group to expand into other brands, countries, and industries. We have over 460 Applebee’s restaurants in 24 states. Flynn Applebee's is one of seven premier brands of Flynn Group, which has grown to be the largest franchise operator in the world. Flynn owns and operates a diversified portfolio of restaurants in iconic, world class brands across diverse segments, including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Panera Bread, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Planet Fitness. Our primary mission is to be the premier operator within each of these brands. We will achieve this by focusing on our core values; Care Genuinely for People, Play like a Champion, and Win as One. Job Description Fun. Flexibility. Growth. Are you looking for a fun and exciting environment, flexible work schedule, or an opportunity for growth? Blending all these together is the difference between a good job and a great career. At Applebee's you will discover a balance between work life and personal life, as well amazing benefits for your health, future, family, and happiness. As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work hard but have a great time doing it! You must be at least 18 years old, be able to effectively communicate with others, and be committed to making an impact. We offer competitive wages, Daily Pay*, flexible work schedules, healthcare benefits, meal discounts, and a great career path. Compensation: Applebee's Cooks start at $18 to $22 per hour. There is no fixed deadline to apply for this position. To apply, click the "Apply Now" button. *Daily Pay is not available in California The health, safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority. Physical Standards: Must have ability to remain stationary and exert well-paced mobility for long periods of up to four (4) hours in length. Must be able to safely reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 50 pounds. Work frequently in a hot and damp environment. Must be able to speak clearly and listen attentively to employees and dining room staff. Possession of finger and hand dexterity for using small tools and equipment. Ability to wear protective hand coverings through entire shift. Ability to work with disinfectant cleaning supplies throughout entire shift. Ability to wear protective face coverings and/or masks through entire shift. Ability to frequently wash hands with disinfecting soap throughout shift. For a copy of Flynn Group’s Workplace Privacy Notice, please visit https://flynn.com/privacy-policy/ Flynn Applebee's is an equal opportunity employer Flynn Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and providing reasonable accommodations/adjustments for individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodation or adjustments throughout the application process, please let us know. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our premier team!