SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Maine

Chefs and Head Cooks in Maine earn an average annual salary of $57,550, which is below the national average of $64,680. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand within Maine's culinary scene, and the overall cost of doing business in the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,800.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,290 Chefs and Head Cooks, Maine demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.72. This suggests a demand for culinary expertise that significantly exceeds the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for skilled chefs in the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,550

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Maine earns-11.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.7

Weekly

$1,107

Monthly

$4,796

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Maine

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Maine typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$45,140$21.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$43,163$20.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$55,860$26.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$71,938$34.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$76,800$36.9

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,614

Adjusted for COL (111.5)

The average annual salary of $57,550 in Maine needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 111.5. This index is 11.5% higher than the national average, meaning that while the nominal salary might seem lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is impacted by the higher cost of goods and services in Maine.

Job Market Context

1,290

Total Jobs

2.035

Per 1K Jobs

1.72

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Maine has 1.7x the national concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Maine's Location Quotient of 1.72 for Chefs and Head Cooks signifies a substantial concentration of this profession relative to the national average. This indicates a higher demand and potentially more job opportunities for culinary professionals in Maine compared to many other states, suggesting a competitive yet opportunity-rich market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Bangor, ME Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$56,490↓ 2%31 mi
Lewiston-Auburn, ME Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$58,910↑ 2%57 mi
Portland-South Portland, ME Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$58,720↑ 2%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Maine

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Maine?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Maine is $57,550. This typically ranges from $45,140 for entry-level positions to $76,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maine is 11.0% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Maine a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, Maine's high concentration of culinary jobs (LQ 1.72) and the potential for higher earnings with experience suggest good opportunities. However, the cost of living must be factored into overall financial well-being.

Is Maine a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Maine is 111.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Maine?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bangor, ME ($56,490) and Lewiston-Auburn, ME.

How does Maine's chef salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Maine is $57,550, which is approximately $7,130 lower than the national average of $64,680.

Is there high demand for chefs in Maine?

Yes, Maine has a high demand for Chefs and Head Cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.72, meaning the concentration of these jobs is significantly higher than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect a chef's salary in Maine?

Maine's Cost of Living Index is 111.5, which is 11.5% higher than the national average. This means that the $57,550 salary in Maine may have less purchasing power compared to a similar salary in a lower cost-of-living area.

What is the total number of chefs and head cooks in Maine?

There are approximately 1,290 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Maine.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,290 employees in the Maine area with a job density of 2.035 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maine