What Restaurants Do Chefs Make the Most Money at in Detroit, MI?

The average hourly wage for Chefs in Detroit is approximately $22 per hour, which varies depending on experience and the establishment. However, top-tier restaurants and those located in prime areas typically offer significantly higher compensation.

Curious about which restaurants pay Chefs the most in Detroit? This article highlights some of the city’s most lucrative dining spots for Chefs, explores how different restaurant types influence salary and provides tips on securing a high-paying Chef position.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Chefs in Detroit, MI

Detroit’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, with many restaurants offering excellent pay for skilled Chefs particularly in the more upscale or innovative kitchens. Here are some of the top establishments where Chefs can earn competitive wages:

1. Selden Standard

Renowned for its farm-to-table philosophy and creative small plates, Selden Standard emphasizes local ingredients. This open-kitchen style restaurant demands high skill levels and rewards Chefs with above-average compensation for their craftsmanship.

2. San Morello

Chef Andrew Carmellini’s Italian-inspired eatery in the Shinola Hotel offers rustic dishes with modern twists. Its high-profile nature and consistently strong business generate opportunities for Chefs to earn well.

3. Lady of the House

This cozy Midtown spot blends Irish-American tradition with contemporary cuisine. Celebrated for its charm and quality, the restaurant provides well-paying Chef roles focused on sourcing and technique.

4. Grey Ghost Detroit

Known for innovative American cuisine paired with a dynamic atmosphere, Grey Ghost opens doors to lucrative Chef positions due to its steady clientele and emphasis on quality culinary execution.

5. SheWolf

With a menu inspired by Romagna region flavors and handmade pastas, SheWolf’s intimate setting demands high-level skills, often reflected in pay scales for the kitchen staff including Chefs.

6. Roast Detroit

Located in the historic Detroit Opera House, Roast Detroit focuses on premium meats and a refined dining experience. Chefs here benefit from working in a prestigious environment with compensation aligned with their expertise.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Chef Earnings in Detroit

The earning potential of Chefs largely depends on the type of restaurant as well as its clientele and location. Here are key ways restaurant type influences Chef salaries:

• Fine Dining Establishments: These restaurants often have higher pay scales due to their complex menus and demanding service standards. Chefs here usually require advanced culinary skills and experience.
• Casual and Fast-Casual Spots: While typically offering lower base pay, high-volume casual venues can provide steady hours and potential bonuses but generally don’t match upscale venues for Chef earnings.
• Specialty or Ethnic Cuisine Restaurants: Expertise in specific cuisines can command premium pay especially if the restaurant is well-regarded for authenticity and quality.
• Location Matters: Downtown and trendy neighborhoods with high foot traffic often allow restaurants to charge more and thus pay their Chefs better.
• Certification and Experience: Chefs with culinary degrees, certifications (like ServSafe) or proven leadership abilities in prestigious kitchens command higher wages.

Overall, Chefs aiming for top salaries in Detroit should target upscale reputable venues where culinary excellence is prioritized.

How To Find a High Paying Chef Job in Detroit

Target High-End Restaurants

Focus your job search on well-rated upscale or innovative restaurants known for quality and reputation as they offer greater earning potential.

Build Relevant Experience

Gain experience in fine dining or unique cuisine kitchens and acquire industry certifications to make your resume stand out in competitive markets.

Network Within the Culinary Community

Connecting with peers, attending culinary events and joining local Chef associations can lead to referrals and insider knowledge about high-paying openings.

Polish Your Application Materials

Craft a strong resume and cover letter highlighting your skills, specialty areas and leadership experience to attract attention from top employers.

Be Proactive with In-Person Visits

Visiting establishments during slow times for informal introductions shows initiative and often impresses hiring managers more than online applications.

What’s the Outlook for Chef Jobs in Detroit in 2025 and Beyond?

The outlook for Chef jobs in Detroit is positive, driven by a resurging restaurant scene and growing investment in culinary ventures across the city. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Chefs and Head Cooks is expected to grow faster than average nationally, and Detroit’s recovering economy supports this trend.

Key factors supporting this demand include:

• Increased tourism and local dining interest fueling restaurant openings and expansions.
• Emphasis on locally sourced, craft and innovative cuisine requiring skilled Chefs.
• Revitalization of Detroit neighborhoods attracting new hospitality businesses.

Chefs with leadership skills and experience in diverse culinary styles will find growing opportunities in Detroit in the coming years.

Is a Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Detroit?

With an average hourly wage of about $22 per hour, Chefs in Detroit can earn approximately $45,760 annually before tips or bonuses. This income level aligns well with Detroit’s relatively affordable cost of living.

Key living expenses to consider in Detroit include:

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: Around $1,000 per month.
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): Approximately $150 per month.
• Groceries and food costs: Roughly $300-$400 per month for a single adult.
• Transportation: Public transit or moderate car expenses, generally under $150 monthly.

For Chefs working in upscale restaurants or holding leadership roles, additional bonuses and benefits can increase take-home pay, making it feasible to live comfortably and save in Detroit.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Detroit Chef Jobs

We selected these restaurants based on multiple factors to highlight the best-paying Chef opportunities available in Detroit.

Key considerations in our selection process included:

• Competitive Pay: Restaurants known to offer wages above the city average for the Chef position.
• Reputation and Quality: Establishments respected for quality, innovation and culinary excellence.
• Location: Venues situated in high-traffic or trendy neighborhoods that support sustainable business.
• Work Environment: Kitchens that provide professional growth, certification support and fair scheduling.

These elements combine to ensure the featured restaurants provide both strong income and career advancement opportunities.