SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Traverse City, MI

The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Traverse City, MI is $57,400. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Traverse City, MI may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Traverse City, MI is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.61x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,210.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Traverse City, MI economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,400

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Traverse City, MI earns-11.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.6

Weekly

$1,104

Monthly

$4,783

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Traverse City, MI

The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Traverse City, 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 $38,730, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $75,210.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$38,730$18.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$43,050$20.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$57,060$27.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$71,750$34.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$75,210$36.2

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,400

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Traverse City, MI, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $57,400 to $57,400.

Job Market Context

130

Total Jobs

1.909

Per 1K Jobs

1.61

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Traverse City, MI has 1.6x the national concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

130 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Traverse City, MI.

1.909 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks positions — a typical concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Traverse City, MI?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Traverse City, MI is $57,400. This typically ranges from $38,730 for entry-level positions to $75,210 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Traverse City, MI is 11.3% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Traverse City, MI a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?

Yes, Traverse City, MI is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($57,400), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Chefs and Head Cookss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Traverse City, MI a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Traverse City, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Traverse City, MI area with a job density of 1.909 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.