Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
In Lansing-East Lansing, MI, Chefs and Head Cooks earn an average annual salary of $59,710. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, indicating that local market dynamics and cost of living factors may influence compensation within this culinary sector. The specific economic conditions and demand within the Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area play a significant role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,720.
- Outlook: The Lansing-East Lansing culinary job market for Chefs and Head Cooks is characterized by a local workforce of 210 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, need for skilled culinary leadership in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Lansing-East Lansing, MI earns-7.7%below the national average.
$28.7
$1,148
$4,976
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lansing-East Lansing's culinary sector is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, mirroring national trends, salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks have likely seen gradual growth over the past four years. Economic recovery, inflation, and increasing consumer demand for diverse dining experiences typically contribute to upward pressure on wages in skilled professions like culinary arts.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Lansing-East Lansing, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and demonstrated expertise. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior roles, such as Head Cook or Executive Chef, reflect greater responsibility and skill, leading to significantly higher compensation. The increasing salary figures across different experience percentiles underscore the clear career ladder available within this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $38,810 | $18.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $44,783 | $21.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $60,100 | $28.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $74,638 | $35.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $78,720 | $37.8 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,710 in Lansing-East Lansing aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for culinary professionals in this area compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.974
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Lansing-East Lansing, MI has 0.82x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the Lansing-East Lansing market for Chefs and Head Cooks is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it may not be as saturated as in some other metropolitan areas. This could imply a moderate level of competition for roles, with opportunities available for skilled professionals seeking to establish or advance their careers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,130↓ 3% | 34 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,230↓ 16% | 42 mi |
| Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $56,800↓ 5% | 42 mi |
| Northern Michigan nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $55,240↓ 7% | 42 mi |
| Upper Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $55,140↓ 8% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Lansing-East Lansing, MI is $59,710. This typically ranges from $38,810 for entry-level positions to $78,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lansing-East Lansing, MI is 7.7% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Lansing-East Lansing, MI a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $59,710 is below the national average of $64,680, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating standard purchasing power rather than exceptional financial gain.
Is Lansing-East Lansing, MI a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Lansing-East Lansing, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MI ($58,130) and Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lansing-East Lansing chef salary compare to the national average?
Chefs and Head Cooks in Lansing-East Lansing earn an average of $59,710 annually, which is approximately $4,970 less than the national average salary of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Lansing-East Lansing?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.82, meaning there are fewer Chefs and Head Cooks per worker in Lansing-East Lansing compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a chef's salary in Lansing-East Lansing?
No, the cost of living in Lansing-East Lansing is exactly at the national average (100), so the $59,710 salary provides average purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
How many Chef and Head Cook jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Lansing-East Lansing?
There are approximately 0.974 jobs for Chefs and Head Cooks per 1,000 workers in the Lansing-East Lansing area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI area with a job density of 0.974 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Chefs and Head Cooks Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- All Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Management Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Production Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Browse All Jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI