Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Ann Arbor, MI
Cooks in Ann Arbor, Michigan, earn an average annual salary of $37,790, which is remarkably close to the national average of $37,700. This near parity suggests that while Ann Arbor offers a competitive wage for this role, local economic factors and the specific demands of its culinary scene are closely aligned with broader national trends. The stability in pay indicates a well-established market for restaurant cooks within the city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,760.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,490 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.72, Ann Arbor presents a moderately concentrated job market for this profession. While the concentration is slightly below the national average, the presence of nearly 1,500 individuals in this role indicates a consistent demand and a stable employment base. The figure of 6.825 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady, albeit not exceptionally high, presence of this occupation within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Ann Arbor, MI earns+0.2%above the national average.
$18.2
$727
$3,149
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for Cooks in Ann Arbor have experienced gradual growth, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of ingredients, labor, and consumer demand for dining experiences typically drive incremental wage adjustments in the food service industry. This suggests a positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory for cook salaries in the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Ann Arbor, MI
The career path for a Cook, Restaurant, typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data isn't available, it's expected that cooks with extensive experience, specialized skills (such as pastry or specific cuisines), and supervisory responsibilities would command higher salaries than those just starting out. The salary range likely widens significantly from the lower end for trainees to the upper end for head cooks or sous chefs, reflecting acquired expertise and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,940 | $14.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,343 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,410 | $18 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,238 | $22.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,760 | $22 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
Ann Arbor's Cost of Living Index stands at 100, precisely matching the national average. This means the nominal salary of $37,790 for Cooks, Restaurant, offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Individuals relocating to Ann Arbor can expect their earnings as a cook to cover essential living expenses at a standard rate, without significant financial strain or advantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,490
Total Jobs
6.825
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Ann Arbor, MI has 0.72x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.72 for Cooks, Restaurant, in Ann Arbor indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in the local job market compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are ample opportunities, the field is not disproportionately dominant within Ann Arbor's employment landscape. It implies a balanced market where demand exists but isn't overwhelmingly concentrated, offering a stable environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,010↓ 7% | 31 mi |
| Jackson, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,770↓ 8% | 34 mi |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,560↓ 1% | 35 mi |
| Toledo, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,440↓ 14% | 43 mi |
| Flint, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,850↓ 8% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ann Arbor, MI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Ann Arbor, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Ann Arbor, MI is $37,790. This typically ranges from $29,940 for entry-level positions to $45,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ann Arbor, MI is 0.2% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Ann Arbor, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary for Cooks in Ann Arbor is $37,790, which is nearly identical to the national average of $37,700. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the earnings provide standard purchasing power without a substantial financial advantage.
Is Ann Arbor, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Ann Arbor, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ann Arbor, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Monroe, MI ($35,010) and Jackson, MI.
How does Ann Arbor's job market compare nationally for cooks?
Ann Arbor's job market for cooks is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.72. This indicates a stable, but not exceptionally dominant, presence of this role within the local economy.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Ann Arbor, MI?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant, in Ann Arbor, MI, is $37,790.
How does the cost of living in Ann Arbor affect a cook's salary?
Ann Arbor has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the average cook's salary of $37,790 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, with no significant advantage or disadvantage.
What does the number of local cooks in Ann Arbor suggest about job availability?
With 1,490 Cooks, Restaurant, employed locally, and 6.825 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent demand for cooks in Ann Arbor, suggesting a stable job market for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,490 employees in the Ann Arbor, MI area with a job density of 6.825 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ann Arbor, MI