Cook Salary in Grand Rapids, MI
Cooks in Grand Rapids, MI, in 2025, earn approximately $14.20 per hour, translating to about $568.00 per week, $2,461.33 per month, and $29,536.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Grand Rapids is growing positively at about 6% per year, indicating a healthy and expanding job market in the food service industry throughout the region.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Grand Rapids, MI?
The salary of a Cook in Grand Rapids varies depending on experience and skill level. Below is a breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $23,680.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.20 | $568.00 | $2,461.33 | $29,536.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.50 | $700.00 | $3,033.33 | $36,400.00 |
Do Cooks in Grand Rapids Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in the kitchen, and tipping usually goes to front-of-house staff. Their compensation is mostly from their wages or salary.
Cook Salary in Grand Rapids vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of approximately $14.50 per hour, amounting to around $30,160 per year.
Comparing this to Grand Rapids, Cooks earn slightly less at about $14.20 per hour and $29,536 annually. This reflects the local economic factors and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Grand Rapids for Cooks
Nearby areas with higher pay rates for Cooks include:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- East Grand Rapids: $16.00 per hour
Cooks working in East Grand Rapids could potentially earn a higher wage compared to those in other nearby locations, reflecting local demand and business types.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Grand Rapids?
Several factors affect how much a Cook can earn in Grand Rapids:
- Experience and Skillset: Cooks with more years of experience or specialized culinary techniques tend to command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in higher-end restaurants, hotels, or catering services usually offers better compensation than fast food or casual dining.
- Shift and Hours: Weekend, holiday, or late-night shifts can come with premium pay rates.
- Certifications and Training: Culinary certifications or food safety credentials can improve employability and wages.
- Local Economic Conditions: Demand fluctuations in Grand Rapids impact salary levels in this field.
How To Become a Cook in Grand Rapids
To pursue a career as a Cook in Grand Rapids, consider the following steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Education Programs: Institutions like the Grand Rapids Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training including hands-on kitchen experience and industry-recognized certifications.
- Advanced Culinary Training: The Secchia Institute for Culinary Education provides more specialized culinary classes and state-of-the-art facilities to enhance skills.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Earning a ServSafe Food Handler Certification is essential to demonstrate knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Earn Professional Culinary Certifications: Starting with a Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can validate fundamental culinary competencies and improve job prospects.
- Gain Work Experience: Entry-level positions like prep cook or line cook can build practical culinary expertise to advance your career.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Grand Rapids
Some of the prominent employers in Grand Rapids that frequently seek qualified Cooks include:
- Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
- Meijer
- Founders Brewing Co.
Establishments That Cooks in Grand Rapids Work At
Cooks in Grand Rapids find employment in diverse settings:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These often provide steady shifts but typically at moderate wage levels.
- Fast Casual Chains: May offer standard pay rates with limited room for wage growth.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often pay higher wages due to the volume and complexity of food preparation.
- Breweries and Gastro Pubs: Establishments like Founders Brewing Co. may offer competitive wages reflecting specialty menus.
The type and prestige of the establishment can significantly influence a Cook's salary in Grand Rapids.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Grand Rapids for Cooks
If you are considering careers similar to Cook, here are a few related options worth exploring:
These roles include Line Cook, Head Chef, and Kitchen Supervisor, which all share culinary skill requirements and provide different paths for career advancement.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Grand Rapids
Cooks should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax obligations to protect their employment rights and financial wellbeing in Michigan.
- You can find detailed information on labor laws and employment regulations on the State of Michigan's official website.
- For federal labor standards, including wage and hour laws, the U.S. Department of Labor's website is a valuable resource.