Line Cook: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
Line cooks are employed by many restaurants and prepare much of the food that comes out of the kitchen. They typically work under a head chef or sous chef. Formal education is not required for this position, but prospective line cooks may wish to enter a culinary program for formal training and to improve advancement opportunities.
Line Cook Job Description
Line cooks, also known as assistant cooks, are responsible for much of the actual food production and plating within a full-service restaurant. Each line cook is typically assigned a place on the line, such as the grill, stove or vegetable prep area, and is responsible for cooking that specific portion of the meal.
Job Duties
In addition to playing a large part in the actual production of each meal, line cooks typically have several duties that revolve around helping the kitchen stay clean and operational. Depending on the size of a kitchen, a line cook may be required to help clean the kitchen after and between meals. Many kitchens employ prep chefs who are in charge of preparing the food to be cooked for each meal, but line cooks may help with the cutting, precooking and marinating.
Job Requirements
There are no formal requirements for line cooks due to the wide variety of restaurants and their needs; however, formal training can be helpful for securing a job or career advancement. At upscale restaurants, a line cook may be expected to have completed some culinary arts training. Programs are available from community colleges, vocational schools and culinary institutes and may last several months or years, leading to a certificate or degree. Some schools offer training programs specifically for line cooks culminating in a certificate. Coursework covers culinary arts professionalism, sanitation, cooking and baking skills.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many restaurants look for work experience when hiring a line cook; food preparers may advance to line cook positions (www.bls.gov). It's also important that line cooks work within the regulations of the given state they're in. Most states require kitchen workers to obtain a food handler's permit. These permits certify carriers to work with and prepare food for others and are usually obtained by attending a short class and paying a fee. Industry certification is also available from the American Culinary Federation.
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7 Popular Schools
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (3)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (1)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- North Carolina (2)
- Nevada (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (4)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (2)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor in Culinary Arts
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- Bachelor in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor in Food & Beverage Management
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Associate
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- Associate in Baking & Pastry Arts
- Associate in Culinary Arts
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- Associate in Culinary Arts - Baking & Pastry
- Associate in Restaurant & Catering Management
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate - Culinary Arts
- Certificate in Art of Cooking
- Diploma - Culinary Arts
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- Diploma in The Art of Cooking
- Diploma in Professional Baking & Pastry
- Certificate in Professional Baking & Pastry
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (3 campuses)
- California (16)
- Colorado (3)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (4)
- Illinois (8)
- Indiana (2)
- Kentucky (1)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (2)
- North Carolina (2)
- New Jersey (3)
- Nevada (1)
- New York (2)
- Ohio (4)
- Oklahoma (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (5)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (7)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (2)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate - Gourmet Cooking
- Certificate in Feeding the Family
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Catering and Restaurant Management
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
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School locations:
- Illinois (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Kendall College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Chef Training
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
