Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Grand Rapids, MI

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, cooks working in restaurants earn a median annual salary of $36,950, which translates to an hourly wage of approximately $17.76. This figure is very close to the national median for cooks at $36,830, suggesting that local earnings are aligned with broader industry standards. When compared to the area's median household income of $80,296, it becomes evident that a single cook's salary constitutes roughly 46% of what an average household earns in this region. This disparity highlights the financial challenges faced by individuals whose primary source of income is limited to such positions.

Entry-level cooks in Grand Rapids typically earn around $29,310 annually, which corresponds with the 10th percentile mark, while those at the 25th percentile make about $31,500 per year. As experience and skill levels increase, earnings rise significantly, with workers at the 75th percentile earning approximately $38,150 annually. Top earners, or those in the 90th percentile, can make up to $44,140 a year. The variation in pay across different experience levels is driven by factors such as tenure in the industry, specialized culinary skills, and ability to work in higher-end establishments. As cooks gain expertise, they often take on more responsibilities and may transition into supervisory roles or specialize in particular cuisines, further enhancing their earning potential.