Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Northern Michigan

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northern Michigan nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $58,430 -4.2% vs national
Median hourly $28.09
10th percentile $34,850
90th percentile $72,080
Employed locally 200
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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Northern Michigan
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,850
    25th
    $45,500
    50th (median)
    $58,430
    75th
    $59,180
    90th
    $72,080

    Top-paying metros for Chefs and Head Cooks

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $87,410
    Morgantown, WV $87,280
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $85,370
    Terre Haute, IN $83,880
    East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area $81,720
    Hawaii $81,200

    Related occupations in Northern Michigan

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,320
    Waiters and Waitresses $34,140
    Cooks, Restaurant $31,730
    Bartenders $37,450
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,730
    Food Preparation Workers $28,070

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make per hour in Northern Michigan?

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Northern Michigan is $28.09, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $35.84 or more per hour.

    Is Northern Michigan above or below average for Chefs and Head Cooks salaries?

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Northern Michigan is 4.2% below the national median of $60,990. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Northern Michigan?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $34,850 per year in Northern Michigan. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,500.