Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
In Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $36,700. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, reflecting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local hospitality market. While close to the national benchmark, this salary is a key indicator of the earning potential within this specific metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,140.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood area supports a substantial workforce of 4,820 Cooks, Restaurant. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals. The presence of nearly 8.6 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a healthy job market for individuals in this profession within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-2.7%below the national average.
$17.6
$706
$3,058
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Grand Rapids is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. The hospitality sector typically experiences fluctuations, but a steady demand for skilled kitchen staff generally leads to modest annual increases in compensation.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
The career trajectory for a Cook, Restaurant in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential as one advances through various skill levels and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,310 | $14.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,525 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,950 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,875 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,140 | $21.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $36,700 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook, Restaurant's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
4,820
Total Jobs
8.586
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.91x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.91 for Cooks, Restaurant in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the market is robust and offers ample opportunities, it may not be as saturated as some other regions, potentially leading to a competitive but accessible job market for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,930↓ 8% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,340↓ 4% | 48 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,970↑ 3% | 51 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,360↓ 4% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,880↓ 10% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $36,700. This typically ranges from $29,310 for entry-level positions to $44,140 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 2.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $36,700 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating comparable earning potential and expenses.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 ($33,930) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids restaurant cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $36,700, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI for restaurant cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many restaurant cooks are employed in the Grand Rapids area?
There are approximately 4,820 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
Is the job market for restaurant cooks concentrated in Grand Rapids?
The Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests that the concentration of restaurant cooks in Grand Rapids is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,820 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 8.586 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI