Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
In the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $29,820. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating localized market dynamics may influence compensation. Factors such as regional demand, cost of labor, and the specific economic landscape of West Michigan contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,440.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area supports a local workforce of 1,510 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 0.62, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderately saturated market rather than a high-demand specialty. The presence of 2.695 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally robust, employment base for fast food cooks in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-4.2%below the national average.
$14.3
$573
$2,485
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food across the nation, including in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, have experienced incremental growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, rising minimum wages, and evolving labor market conditions that necessitate adjustments in compensation to attract and retain staff.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While exact percentile salary gaps are not detailed here, it's understood that individuals with more years of experience, specialized skills, or leadership responsibilities can command higher salaries. The difference between entry-level and senior positions often signifies a significant increase in earning potential, reflecting acquired expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,930 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,365 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,330 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,275 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,440 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI stands at $29,820. This is juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is somewhat offset by the neutral cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,510
Total Jobs
2.695
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.62x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.62, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area has a lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job exists, it is not a disproportionately large sector of the local economy relative to other areas. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor scarce, indicating a stable but not overly saturated environment for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,620↓ 7% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,030↑ 1% | 48 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,920↓ 3% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $29,820. This typically ranges from $23,930 for entry-level positions to $35,440 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 4.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $29,820 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall compensation does not stand out as high for this profession in the region.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
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 ($27,620) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids fast food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $29,820, which is approximately $1,310 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI for fast food cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the local cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How many fast food cooks are employed in the Grand Rapids area?
There are approximately 1,510 Cooks, Fast Food employed within the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
Is the job market for fast food cooks concentrated in Grand Rapids?
No, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food is less concentrated in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI compared to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.62.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,510 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 2.695 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI