Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Bay City, MI
Cooks in Bay City, MI earn an average annual salary of $32,640, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, the specific demand within the local hospitality sector, and the overall cost of labor in the Bay City area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,100.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Bay City, MI, appears moderately robust. With a total local workforce of 390 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.23, there is a slightly higher concentration of these positions compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Bay City, MI earns-13.4%below the national average.
$15.7
$628
$2,720
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bay City's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive modest annual salary increases for most professions, including those in the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Bay City, MI
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Bay City, MI, is significantly influenced by experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned chefs with specialized culinary expertise and leadership capabilities can expect to earn considerably more, often reaching into the higher percentiles of the salary range.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,800 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,480 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,030 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,800 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,100 | $18.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,640 in Bay City, MI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by a balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
11.592
Per 1K Jobs
1.23
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.23, Bay City, MI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.23, Bay City, MI, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This indicates that the job market here is somewhat more specialized or in greater demand relative to other industries within the city, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Saginaw, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,390↑ 5% | 12 mi |
| Midland, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,080↑ 7% | 17 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,880↑ 1% | 37 mi |
| Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,870↑ 1% | 37 mi |
| Northern Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,260↑ 2% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bay City, MI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Bay City, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Bay City, MI is $32,640. This typically ranges from $26,800 for entry-level positions to $38,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bay City, MI is 13.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Bay City, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Bay City, MI ($32,640) is significantly lower than the national average ($37,700).
Is Bay City, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Bay City, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bay City, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Saginaw, MI ($34,390) and Midland, MI.
How does Bay City's cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Bay City, MI, earn an average of $32,640 annually, which is approximately $5,060 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Bay City, MI?
Bay City, MI has a Location Quotient of 1.23 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Bay City, MI affect cook salaries?
Bay City, MI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary is balanced by average living expenses.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in Bay City, MI?
There are approximately 390 Cooks, Restaurant employed within Bay City, MI.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Bay City, MI area with a job density of 11.592 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 Bay City, MI