Restaurant Cook Salary in Michigan
Based on 39K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$36,980
$17.78/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-1.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $46K
39K employed in Michigan
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Michigan is $36,980 per year, which breaks down to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, with Michigan cooks earning 1.9% less. Currently, there are an estimated 39,100 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Michigan. Location within the state, with urban areas often offering higher pay than rural ones, plays a significant role. Years of experience, the type and size of the restaurant, and the specific culinary skills and responsibilities of the cook can also lead to variations in earning potential, pushing salaries between $29,570 and $46,030.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,570 |
| 25th percentile | $34,770 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,980 |
| 75th percentile | $42,850 |
| 90th percentile | $46,030 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Michigan tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,089 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,980 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,089 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $34,770 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $42,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $46,030 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Restaurant Cook ($36,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in MI | $37,760 | +2.1% | $18.15/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MI | $28,930 | -21.8% | $13.91/hr |
| Security Guard in MI | $37,080 | +0.3% | $17.83/hr |
| Receptionist in MI | $37,470 | +1.3% | $18.01/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MI | $35,930 | -2.8% | $17.27/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MI | $35,000 | -5.4% | $16.83/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MI | $34,640 | -6.3% | $16.65/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MI | $39,570 | +7.0% | $19.02/hr |
| Medical Assistant in MI | $39,870 | +7.8% | $19.17/hr |
| Tutor in MI | $40,350 | +9.1% | $19.40/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in MI | $43,950 | +18.8% | $21.13/hr |
| Cashier in MI | $29,740 | -19.6% | $14.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly pay for a Restaurant Cook in Michigan?
- The average hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Michigan is approximately $18 per hour. This is based on a median annual salary of $36,980.
How much does a Restaurant Cook in Michigan make annually?
- The median annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Michigan is $36,980. The salary range generally falls between $29,570 on the lower end and $46,030 on the higher end.
Is the Restaurant Cook salary in Michigan higher or lower than the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Michigan is slightly lower than the national average. Cooks in Michigan earn approximately 1.9% less than their counterparts across the country.
What is the typical salary range for Restaurant Cooks in Michigan?
- Restaurant Cooks in Michigan typically earn a salary ranging from $29,570 to $46,030 annually. This range reflects variations in experience, location, and restaurant type.