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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,260. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130. Local economic factors, including regional demand and the cost of labor, often influence these salary variations, making Detroit's compensation landscape distinct.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,260 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,010.
  • Outlook: The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area supports a substantial workforce of 4,950 Fast Food Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.6, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderately developed but not overly saturated market. The presence of 2.595 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady demand for these essential service positions within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,260

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI earns-2.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.6

Weekly

$582

Monthly

$2,522

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned cooks with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,260$12.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,695$10.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,820$14.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$37,825$18.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,010$17.3

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,260

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,260

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $30,260 for Fast Food Cooks in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal wage offers a similar standard of living as it would in an average U.S. city.

Job Market Context

4,950

Total Jobs

2.595

Per 1K Jobs

0.6

Location Quotient

Below Average

Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI has 0.60x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food 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 0.6 for Fast Food Cooks in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI indicates that this occupation is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as competitive or saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a good balance for job seekers looking for opportunities without intense competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

Comparing salaries near Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is $30,260. This typically ranges from $26,260 for entry-level positions to $36,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is 2.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,260 is slightly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there isn't a significant financial advantage for this specific role in this location.

Is Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Monroe, MI ($29,780) and Ann Arbor, MI.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers affect the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Detroit?

With 2.595 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent demand for Fast Food Cooks in Detroit, indicating a stable job market for individuals in this profession.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Fast Food Cooks in Detroit?

A Location Quotient of 0.6 means that Fast Food Cooks are less concentrated in Detroit compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate but not overwhelming presence of these jobs.

Does experience impact salary for Fast Food Cooks in Detroit?

Yes, experience is a key factor; entry-level cooks earn less, while those with more experience and potentially supervisory roles can achieve higher salaries within the established pay scale.

How does Detroit's Cost of Living compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?

Detroit's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the $30,260 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,950 employees in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area with a job density of 2.595 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.