Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Cooks in the institution and cafeteria sector within the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $37,130. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics are at play. The specific needs and budget constraints of institutions and cafeterias in this region likely influence compensation levels for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,080.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area supports a robust workforce of 1,550 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals in institutional settings. This suggests a healthy job market for cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-2.6%below the national average.
$17.9
$714
$3,094
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for institutions, and a steady demand for food services likely contribute to incremental salary increases within this sector.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory duties can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,970 | $14.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,848 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,380 | $18 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,413 | $22.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,080 | $21.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $37,130 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
1,550
Total Jobs
2.762
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.95x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.95 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI indicates that the job market is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that while the demand is present and stable, the market is not significantly oversaturated nor is it exceptionally competitive compared to national benchmarks, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,670↓ 7% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,020↓ 6% | 48 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,420↓ 2% | 51 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,790↓ 4% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,070↓ 8% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $37,130. This typically ranges from $29,970 for entry-level positions to $44,080 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 2.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating a comparable earning potential.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($34,670) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the number of cooks per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 2.762 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area has a slightly lower concentration of cooks compared to the national average, reflecting the overall Location Quotient.
What is the total number of cooks in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area?
There are approximately 1,550 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
Does experience impact a cook's salary in this region?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a significant role in salary progression for cooks, with senior roles commanding higher compensation than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $37,130 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,550 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 2.762 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- All Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Production Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Management Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Browse All Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI