Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Traverse City, MI
Cooks in Traverse City, MI, earn an average annual salary of $36,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the Traverse City culinary scene. While the nominal salary may seem comparable, understanding the local market dynamics is key.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,590.
- Outlook: Traverse City supports a robust local workforce of 980 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.55 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a well-established culinary industry within the area. This concentration points to a stable and potentially growing job market for cooks in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Traverse City, MI earns-3.7%below the national average.
$17.5
$698
$3,027
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Traverse City cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals typically drive salary increases in most markets, including Traverse City.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Traverse City, MI
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles in Traverse City, MI, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,930 | $13.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,240 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,650 | $17.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,400 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,590 | $21.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,320 in Traverse City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Traverse City is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary hold its value effectively within the local economy.
Job Market Context
980
Total Jobs
14.632
Per 1K Jobs
1.55
Location Quotient
Traverse City, MI has 1.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.55, Traverse City demonstrates a notable concentration of Cooks, Restaurant positions relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market for cooks is more robust and potentially more competitive in Traverse City than in many other parts of the country, indicating a higher demand for these professionals within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Traverse City, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Traverse City, MI is $36,320. This typically ranges from $28,930 for entry-level positions to $45,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Traverse City, MI is 3.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Traverse City, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers comparable earning potential to the national average with an equivalent cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The high concentration of jobs also indicates strong local demand.
Is Traverse City, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Traverse City, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the number of cooks in Traverse City compare nationally?
Traverse City has 14.632 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a greater prevalence of cook positions locally.
What is the total number of cooks employed in Traverse City?
There are approximately 980 Cooks, Restaurant professionals employed within the Traverse City area.
How does Traverse City's cost of living affect a cook's salary?
Traverse City's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $36,320 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for cooks.
Is the job market for cooks saturated in Traverse City?
The Location Quotient of 1.55 suggests a higher concentration of cooks than the national average, implying a robust market with potentially strong demand, rather than saturation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Traverse City, MI area with a job density of 14.632 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 Traverse City, MI