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Food Service · Michigan

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Michigan

Cooks, Restaurants in Michigan earn a median salary of $36,560/year, which is 1% below the national average. Michigan has a state income tax of ~4.3%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,076/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$37K
Median salary in Michigan
-1%
vs. national average
4.3%
State income tax
37,860
Employed in Michigan

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Michigan

Gross annual salary$36,560
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.3% state tax)$2,488/mo
Median 2BR rent (Michigan)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home56.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,560/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,076/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Michigan

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Michigan typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Michigan. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, restaurant positions in Michigan require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Michigan licensure or certification

Michigan may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the Michigan Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Michigan

Michigan employs 37,860 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn and Ann Arbor.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Michigan

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn$37K$17.99/hr16,050
Ann Arbor$37K$17.99/hr1,490
Battle Creek$37K$17.98/hr470
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood$37K$17.76/hr4,820
Traverse City$37K$17.62/hr980
Lansing-East Lansing$36K$17.52/hr1,630
Kalamazoo-Portage$36K$17.38/hr1,050
Niles$36K$17.34/hr780
Monroe$36K$17.21/hr400
Flint$35K$17.06/hr1,190
Jackson$35K$17.04/hr460
Midland$35K$17.03/hr260
Saginaw$35K$16.98/hr690
Muskegon-Norton Shores$35K$16.82/hr580
Bay City$34K$16.36/hr390

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Michigan

10th percentile (entry)
$29K
25th percentile
$31K
Median (50th)
$37K
75th percentile
$39K
90th percentile (senior)
$45K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Michigan?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Michigan is $36,560 per year ($17.58/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $28,790 to $44,880.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Michigan?

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Michigan typically require No formal educational credential. Michigan may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Michigan licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Michigan?

At the median salary of $36,560, a cooks, restaurant in Michigan would take home approximately $2,488/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 56.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Michigan?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Michigan are Detroit-Warren-Dearborn ($37,420), Ann Arbor ($37,410), Battle Creek ($37,390). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Michigan have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Michigan has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.3%. On a $36,560 salary, this means roughly $1,554/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.