Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Cooks in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI area earn an average annual salary of $35,360. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation for this role. While the nominal pay may be lower than the national benchmark, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,180.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,630 Cooks, Restaurant professionals, Lansing-East Lansing presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this occupation. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests that while the occupation is present, it is not disproportionately represented compared to the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with the general labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lansing-East Lansing, MI earns-6.2%below the national average.
$17
$680
$2,947
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lansing-East Lansing's cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national economic patterns. Wage growth for service industry roles, including cooks, has been observed across many regions, driven by factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
The salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant professionals in Lansing-East Lansing, like elsewhere, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs or those in supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding skill development and tenure within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,180 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,520 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,450 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,200 | $21.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,180 | $21.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,360 for Cooks in Lansing-East Lansing aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal wage is balanced by the local cost of goods and services, making the effective income relatively stable.
Job Market Context
1,630
Total Jobs
7.651
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Lansing-East Lansing, MI has 0.81x 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 0.81 for Cooks, Restaurant in Lansing-East Lansing indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is well-established, the market may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,770↓ 2% | 34 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,880↓ 7% | 42 mi |
| Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,870↓ 7% | 42 mi |
| Northern Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,260↓ 6% | 42 mi |
| Upper Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,200↓ 6% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lansing-East Lansing, MI is $35,360. This typically ranges from $28,180 for entry-level positions to $44,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lansing-East Lansing, MI is 6.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Lansing-East Lansing, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,360 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This suggests that while the pay is standard for the cost of living, it doesn't offer a significant financial advantage over other areas.
Is Lansing-East Lansing, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lansing-East Lansing, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MI ($34,770) and Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Lansing-East Lansing?
Experience is a key driver of salary for cooks. Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and management experience can earn considerably more, reflecting their value and expertise in the kitchen.
What is the job market like for cooks in Lansing-East Lansing?
The job market is stable, with a local workforce of 1,630 cooks. The concentration (Location Quotient) is slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not overly competitive demand for these professionals.
Does the cost of living in Lansing-East Lansing impact cook salaries?
Yes, the cost of living in Lansing-East Lansing is at the national average (100). This means the average salary of $35,360 provides a purchasing power comparable to the national average, effectively balancing the slightly lower nominal wage.
How does Lansing-East Lansing compare to national averages for cooks?
Lansing-East Lansing's average cook salary is slightly lower than the national average ($35,360 vs. $37,700). However, the cost of living is identical to the national average, making the effective income comparable.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,630 employees in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI area with a job density of 7.651 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- All Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Management Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Production Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
- Browse All Jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI