Hospitality & Food

How to become a Line Cook

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

0–6 months

Typical pay

$32k–$44k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   1 day

   Get a food handler card

   Required almost everywhere, cheap, and takes an afternoon.

   ◆ Food handler card

   Course that covers thisFood Safety and Hygiene Level 2Udemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   immediate

   Start on a station

   Prep or garde manger. Kitchens hire without experience and teach on the line.

3. 3

   6–18 months

   Learn technique properly

   Knife work, sauces, timing. Culinary school is optional; the skills are not.

   Course that covers thisHospitality and Culinary Arts Careers – Culinary FoundationsUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   1–2 years

   Work every station

   Grill, sauté, fry. Versatility is what makes you promotable.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Line Cook

   Browse jobs now →

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