salary$37,410 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,620per year
Top pay (top 10%)$46,960per year
Jobs in the area16,490people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Detroit?
Expensive. Rent of $1,347 a month takes 43.2% of the median restaurant cook salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Restaurant Cook pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in Detroit, MI?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area is $37,410 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $29,620 and $46,960.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Detroit?
Typical rent of $1,347 a month takes 43.2% of the median restaurant cook salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area.