Chef Salary in Detroit, MI
Chefs in Detroit, MI, in 2025, earn approximately $19.20 per hour, which translates to about $768.00 per week, $3,328.00 per month, and $39,936.00 per year.
The demand for Chefs in Detroit is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding market for culinary professionals in the region.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Detroit, MI?
The salary of a Chef in Detroit varies depending on experience and skills, but here’s a general overview of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.48 | $499.20 | $2,162.40 | $25,948.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.20 | $768.00 | $3,328.00 | $39,936.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $37.48 | $1,499.20 | $6,464.53 | $77,870.40 |
Do Chefs in Detroit Earn Tips?
Chefs generally do not earn tips as their work is mainly behind the scenes preparing meals rather than table service. Their earnings come primarily from their salary or hourly wages.
Chef Salary in Detroit vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn an average of around $19.20 per hour, amounting to about $39,936 per year.
Chefs in Detroit earn approximately the same as the national average, with wages reflecting the city’s cost of living and culinary market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Detroit for Chefs
Nearby areas with attractive salary prospects for Chefs include:
- Dearborn: $22.99 per hour
- Troy: $21.96 per hour
Chefs willing to commute to Dearborn or Troy might find better salary opportunities than in Detroit itself.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Detroit?
Several factors affect how much a Chef can earn in Detroit:
- Experience and Expertise: Chefs with more years in the trade or specialized skills (e.g., pastry, ethnic cuisines) often command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and catering firms usually offer better salaries than casual or fast food venues.
- Education and Certifications: Formal culinary education and certifications such as ServSafe or Certified Culinarian can increase earning potential.
- Leadership Roles: Head Chefs or Executive Chefs earn more due to higher responsibility.
- Shift Hours: Chefs working evenings, weekends, or holidays may receive extra pay or bonuses.
How To Become a Chef in Detroit
Starting a career as a Chef in Detroit typically involves the following steps:
- Obtain Culinary Education: Enroll in programs like the Detroit Institute of Gastronomy, which offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts combining online coursework with hands-on experience.
- Attend Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts Program: This provides comprehensive training with degrees and certificates in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler and Certified Culinarian (CC) are important to demonstrate knowledge of food safety and culinary skills.
- Gain Practical Experience: Start as a commis chef or kitchen assistant to build culinary skills and advance through the ranks.
- Develop Specializations: Pursuing niche culinary styles or managerial skills can open doors to higher-paying jobs.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Detroit
Some of the leading employers seeking Chefs in Detroit include:
- The Ivey Group, INC
- Sunda Detroit
- Sullivan's Steakhouse
Establishments That Chefs in Detroit Work At
Chefs in Detroit find employment in various food service environments, such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These offer higher salaries due to complex dish preparation and refinement standards.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: More plentiful jobs but typically lower pay than fine dining.
- Hotels and Resorts: Offer stable employment with potential benefits and higher pay for executive cooking roles.
- Catering Companies: Salary can vary depending on event scale and client base.
The type of establishment strongly influences the earning potential of a Chef, with prestigious venues generally paying the most.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Detroit for Chefs
If you are interested in roles similar to Chef, consider exploring these related careers:
These include Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager positions which share common culinary and managerial skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Detroit
Chefs in Detroit should be aware of state and federal labor laws and tax information to manage their employment rights and financial responsibilities.
- Michigan labor regulations, including wage and hour laws, are available at the Official Michigan Government website.
- Federal labor standards and workplace safety information can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor site.