A free, editable line cook job description template — job summary, essential functions, required and preferred qualifications, and a pay-range example to replace with your own. Use it to prefill the generator, tailor it to your organization, and download a formatted Word doc or PDF.
Role snapshot
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks this occupation as Cooks (SOC 35-2014), with part of the BLS ‘Cooks’ category (SOC 35-2014), about 2.7M workers across all cook types — line cooks are a subset, not the whole category and median annual pay of $36,640. Pay data: BLS OEWS May 2025.
That’s the scale this template is built for: a full essential-functions list, separated required and preferred qualifications, and a pay-range placeholder for your actual range. The range stays a placeholder deliberately — posting requirements differ by state, so the finished pay language should reflect where you’re hiring, not just the national figures above.
Use the template to prefill the generator, or check it against your state’s pay-transparency law first.
Job Summary
Prepares menu items to recipe and quality standards during fast-paced service. Owns a station from setup through breakdown, keeping food safe, plates consistent, and the line moving.
Essential Functions
Prepare and cook menu items to recipe specifications, portion standards, and presentation guidelines
Set up the assigned station before each service with ingredients, tools, and equipment
Execute food prep tasks, including chopping, portioning, marinating, and making sauces and stocks
Monitor cooking times and temperatures to keep every dish safe and consistent
Plate dishes to standard and call out orders clearly during service
Follow food safety, sanitation, and storage procedures on every shift
Communicate with the Sous Chef and fellow cooks to keep orders moving during rushes
Restock the station and rotate ingredients using first-in, first-out practices
Clean, sanitize, and break down the station and equipment at the end of each shift
Report equipment issues or supply shortages to the Sous Chef before they affect service
Qualifications
Required:
1+ years of kitchen or food preparation experience, or culinary school training
Food handler certification, where required by state or local rules
Ability to work a fast-paced line, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Stamina and focus to maintain quality through high-volume service
Preferred:
Culinary training or certificate
Experience on sauté, grill, or fry station in a high-volume kitchen
Education & Certifications
High school diploma or equivalent preferred; culinary training a plus. Food handler certification where required.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand for an entire shift, work near hot equipment and open flames, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Pay range example: $15–$19 per hour (adjust to your market)
Pay transparency verdict for this template
15 states require a pay range
This template ships with a pay-range example — replace it with your approved range before posting. Here's what the states in our dataset require in the posting itself:
15
states require a pay range in the posting
7
also require a benefits description
1
also require an application deadline
Plus 2 states require pay information later in the process (on request or before an offer) rather than in the posting. Browse every state's requirements →
Food-handler certification and youth-employment rules vary by state and city — check local rules before finalizing the posting. Posting requirements vary by state and change over time: 15 of the jurisdictions in our state-by-state coverage require a pay range in job postings. This template ships with a pay-range example placeholder — replace it with your actual range, then run the finished posting through the free pay-transparency checker for each state you're hiring in.
Is a line cook exempt or non-exempt under the FLSA?
Line cooks are generally classified as non-exempt (hourly), which is how this template marks the role — kitchen production work doesn't meet any FLSA exemption's duties test. Confirm the classification against the duties and salary tests before you post.
What should a line cook pay range look like?
Post an hourly range that matches what the station actually pays, and spell out any tip-sharing or meal benefits separately — cooks compare take-home pay closely. Replace the template's pay-range placeholder with your real range.
Do line cook postings need food-handler certification language?
Many states and cities require food handler certification — state whether you require it at hire or provide it during onboarding, and match the language to your local rules. This template's qualifications section is where to list it.
Should a line cook posting mention the schedule?
Yes — nights, weekends, and holidays are the norm in kitchens. Say so plainly along with the shift structure so candidates self-select accurately.