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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cooks in Michigan is $36,151 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Cooks's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cooks Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $40,099 | $3,342 | $771 | $19 |
| Average | $36,151 | $3,013 | $695 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,104 | $2,675 | $617 | $15 |
A Cooks's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cooks's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cooks | $35,758 |
| Intermediate Level Cooks | $36,039 |
| Senior Level Cooks | $36,601 |
| Specialist Level Cooks | $37,438 |
| Expert Level Cooks | $38,579 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Cooks roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Cooks positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cooks as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $46,997 | $23.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $45,189 | $22.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $43,381 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $41,574 | $20.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $39,766 | $19.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Cooks's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $40,099 | $3,342 | $771 | $19 |
| Average | $36,151 | $3,013 | $695 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,104 | $2,675 | $617 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cooks job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Plum Market
Bloomfield, MI
Plum Market | Bloomfield, MI
Plum Market is seeking Production Cooks to craft high-quality prepared foods in our natural and organic grocery kitchens. As a Production Cook, you will pr... more
6 Days Ago
Plum Market
Southfield, MI
Plum Market | Southfield, MI
Plum Market is seeking Production Cooks to craft high-quality prepared foods in our natural and organic grocery kitchens. As a Production Cook, you will pr... more
6 Days Ago
Tavern 109
Williamston, MI
Tavern 109 | Williamston, MI
Job Description. Job Description. Tavern 109 is committed to providing a quality dining experience to all our guests. We’re searching for a qualified line ... more
7 Days Ago
Familia Food Group Inc
Detroit, MI
Familia Food Group Inc | Detroit, MI
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a Cooks And Dishwashers to join our dedicated kitchen staff. You will assist in the preparation, cooking, ... more
8 Days Ago
Flo's Collection
Belmont, MI
Flo's Collection | Belmont, MI
Job Description. Job Description. 4 Major Roles. 1. Adhering to Policies & Procedures. 2. Food Preparation. 3. Maintain Kitchen Cleanliness.... more
9 Days Ago
Fixins Soul Kitchen
Detroit, MI
Fixins Soul Kitchen | Detroit, MI
Line Cook. Looking for qualified line cooks with experience in high volume restaurants. Must have the skillset and knowledge for working effectively on sau... more
10 Days Ago
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