Chef Salary in Lansing, Michigan
The median chef salary in Lansing, MI is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Michigan state average.
Chef Pay in Lansing: What to Expect (2026)
Lansing offers a median chef salary of $48,607, which is $2,261 below the Michigan state average of $50,868. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Lansing pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Lansing's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,607 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Lansing an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Lansing spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $84,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,556 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 112,644, Lansing is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Lansing by Experience
In Lansing, an entry-level chef earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Lansing, MI
| Percentile | Lansing |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,552 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,292 |
| Median (50th) | $48,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,108 |
Chef Salary in Other Michigan Cities
How to Become a Chef in Lansing
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Lansing and the surrounding Michigan area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lansing may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Lansing
Browse open chef positions in Lansing, MI: