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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Michigan

Cooks in Michigan earn an average annual salary of $36,150, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This difference is often influenced by regional economic factors and the overall demand for culinary professionals within the state's diverse restaurant landscape. Understanding these local dynamics is key for anyone in the food service industry in Michigan.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,880.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 37,860 individuals in this role, Michigan demonstrates a significant presence of restaurant cooks. The location quotient of 0.92 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Michigan is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary talent across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,150

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Michigan earns-4.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.4

Weekly

$695

Monthly

$3,013

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Michigan

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Michigan typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,790$13.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,113$13
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,560$17.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,188$21.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,880$21.6

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,901

Adjusted for COL (90.6)

The average annual salary of $36,150 in Michigan for Cooks, Restaurant is complemented by a Cost of Living Index of 90.6, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned in Michigan offers a relatively good purchasing power, as everyday expenses are generally more affordable compared to national benchmarks.

Job Market Context

37,860

Total Jobs

8.622

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Michigan has 0.92x 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 0.92 indicates that the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Michigan is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of jobs is proportionate to the number of workers, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Midland, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,080↓ 3%26 mi
Saginaw, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,390↓ 5%30 mi
Bay City, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,640↓ 10%37 mi
Lansing-East Lansing, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,360↓ 2%42 mi
Flint, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,850↓ 4%47 mi

Comparing salaries near Michigan

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Michigan?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Michigan is $36,150. This typically ranges from $28,790 for entry-level positions to $44,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Michigan is 4.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Michigan a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $36,150 is slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living in Michigan helps to offset this difference in purchasing power.

Is Michigan a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.6 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Michigan?

Some top paying nearby cities include Midland, MI ($35,080) and Saginaw, MI.

How does Michigan's cost of living affect a cook's salary?

Michigan's Cost of Living Index of 90.6 means that $36,150 in Michigan likely provides a similar or slightly better standard of living than a higher salary in a more expensive state.

What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in Michigan?

The location quotient of 0.92 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Michigan is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable job market.

How many Cooks, Restaurant are employed in Michigan?

Michigan employs a significant workforce of 37,860 individuals in the role of Cooks, Restaurant, highlighting the importance of this profession within the state's economy.

Are there many job opportunities for Cooks, Restaurant in Michigan?

With 8.622 jobs per 1,000 workers, Michigan offers a solid number of opportunities for Cooks, Restaurant, reflecting consistent demand within the state's food service industry.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 37,860 employees in the Michigan area with a job density of 8.622 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Michigan