Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
In the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area, Chefs and Head Cooks can expect an average annual salary of $60,140. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas where local economic factors and industry demand can influence compensation levels. The specific pay rates in this region are shaped by the unique interplay of local business costs and the availability of skilled culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,970.
- Outlook: The culinary job market in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, for Chefs and Head Cooks shows a steady presence, with a local workforce of 580 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. With 1.04 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is consistent, pointing towards a robust environment for experienced culinary leaders.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-7.0%below the national average.
$28.9
$1,157
$5,012
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased consumer spending on dining, and a persistent demand for skilled culinary management typically drive upward salary adjustments in this sector.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, is typically marked by significant salary increases. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and leadership capabilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between these salary ranges signifies the value placed on expertise, management skills, and a proven track record in the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $40,070 | $19.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $45,105 | $21.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $60,460 | $29.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $75,175 | $36.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $79,970 | $38.4 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, the average annual salary of $60,140 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef or Head Cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
1.04
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.88x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.88 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, suggests that while the profession is present, it is not as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a competitive market where skilled individuals are valued, but perhaps with fewer employers actively seeking top-tier talent compared to more saturated regions. It presents an opportunity for qualified professionals to find stable employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $53,870↓ 10% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,140↑ 2% | 48 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $59,130↓ 2% | 51 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $59,710↓ 1% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,230↓ 16% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $60,140. This typically ranges from $40,070 for entry-level positions to $79,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 7.0% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Moderately so, with stable earning potential.The average salary of $60,140 is competitive with the national average cost of living, offering good financial stability. However, it is slightly below the national average salary for the role, indicating moderate rather than exceptional earning potential.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($53,870) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, is $60,140, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Cost of Living Index for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, is 100, which is exactly at the national average.
How concentrated is the Chef and Head Cook job market in this area?
The job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.88.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for this role?
With 1.04 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate of employment for Chefs and Head Cooks in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, is consistent with the national average, suggesting steady demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 1.04 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI