SalaryNode

Average Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME

Butchers and Meat Cutters in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an average annual salary of $48,420, significantly exceeding the national average of $41,160. This higher compensation is likely influenced by the specific demands and operational costs within the local market, reflecting a localized premium for skilled meat professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,420 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,350.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 Butchers and Meat Cutters, and a Location Quotient of 0.78, the job market in Portland-South Portland, ME, indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not a high-demand hotspot, the steady presence suggests consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment opportunities for skilled individuals in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,420

The average Butchers and Meat Cutters in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+17.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.3

Weekly

$931

Monthly

$4,035

Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME

The career path for Butchers and Meat Cutters typically involves a salary progression tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior butchers with extensive experience in complex cuts, management, or specialized areas can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight these opportunities for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,480$19
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$36,315$17.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,100$23.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$60,525$29.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,350$28.1

Detailed Butchers and Meat Cutters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,420

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$48,420

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $48,420 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of a butcher's salary in this area is comparable to that of someone earning the national average in a typical US city, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

0.711

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.78x the national average concentration of Butchers and Meat Cutters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.78 for Butchers and Meat Cutters in Portland-South Portland, ME, suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This could imply a moderately competitive market where employers may need to offer competitive wages to attract skilled talent, but it doesn't indicate an oversaturated or scarce job environment.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Butchers and Meat Cutterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Butchers and Meat Cutters make in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The median annual salary for a Butchers and Meat Cutters in Portland-South Portland, ME is $48,420. This typically ranges from $39,480 for entry-level positions to $58,350 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 17.6% higher than the national median of $41,160.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Butchers and Meat Cutters?

Yes, it offers above-average earnings.Butchers and Meat Cutters in Portland-South Portland, ME earn approximately $7,260 more annually than the national average. The local cost of living is also on par with the national average, making the higher salary more impactful.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Butchers and Meat Cutters?

The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($45,870) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Portland-South Portland, ME butcher salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Butchers and Meat Cutters in Portland-South Portland, ME is $48,420, which is $7,260 higher than the national average of $41,160.

What is the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME for a Butcher?

The cost of living index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have the same purchasing power as it would in a typical US city.

How many Butchers and Meat Cutters are there in Portland-South Portland, ME?

There are approximately 200 Butchers and Meat Cutters employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME area.

Is the job market for Butchers and Meat Cutters strong in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The market is stable with a slight underrepresentation compared to the national average (LQ of 0.78), suggesting consistent opportunities without extreme competition.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 0.711 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.