Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
The average salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $61,140. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,310.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Kalamazoo-Portage, MI economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-5.5%below the national average.
$29.4
$1,176
$5,095
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI have shown healthy growth of 14.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $46,460, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $74,310.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $46,460 | $22.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $45,855 | $22 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $60,320 | $29 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $76,425 | $36.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $74,310 | $35.7 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $61,140 to $61,140.
Job Market Context
140
Total Jobs
1.161
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 0.98x 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.
140 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
1.161 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek, MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $59,130↓ 3% | 18 mi |
| Niles, MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,750↓ 1% | 45 mi |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,140↓ 2% | 48 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,960↑ 1% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $61,140. This typically ranges from $46,460 for entry-level positions to $74,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 5.5% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $61,140 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Kalamazoo-Portage, MI. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($59,130) and Niles, MI.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 1.161 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI