Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
In Portland-South Portland, ME, Chefs and Head Cooks earn an average annual salary of $58,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680. Local economic factors and a specific demand profile within the region contribute to this salary differential, making it crucial for culinary professionals to understand the nuances of this market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,260.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland culinary landscape supports a local workforce of 770 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 2.3, this indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for experienced culinary talent within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-9.2%below the national average.
$28.2
$1,129
$4,893
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for skilled positions like Chefs and Head Cooks tend to experience steady growth over a four-year period. This trend is often driven by inflation, increasing demand for quality dining experiences, and the need for establishments to attract and retain top culinary talent, leading to incremental salary increases.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and leadership skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their value in menu development, kitchen management, and team supervision.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $47,900 | $23 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $44,040 | $21.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $56,200 | $27 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $73,400 | $35.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $79,260 | $38.1 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,720 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Chef or Head Cook's salary in this location is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without significant cost-of-living pressures.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
2.719
Per 1K Jobs
2.3
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 2.3x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.3 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME, signifies a market where this profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a highly competitive environment for employers seeking talent, but also presents ample opportunities for job seekers due to the relative abundance of positions compared to the general workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,910↑ 0% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $56,670↓ 3% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,250↑ 4% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $54,090↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,080↑ 6% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME is $58,720. This typically ranges from $47,900 for entry-level positions to $79,260 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 9.2% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Moderately lucrative, with strong job concentration.While the average salary is below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.3) indicates strong demand. The cost of living being at the national average means the salary offers standard purchasing power.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
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 ($58,910) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 770 suggests a substantial number of available positions, indicating a healthy job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Portland-South Portland area.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.3 mean for chefs?
A Location Quotient of 2.3 means that Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in Portland-South Portland at a rate 2.3 times higher than the national average, indicating a significant regional specialization and demand.
How does the cost of living impact the $58,720 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $58,720 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to local expenses.
Are there many job openings for Chefs and Head Cooks in Portland-South Portland?
The high Location Quotient of 2.3 suggests a strong presence and likely consistent demand for Chefs and Head Cooks, implying a good number of job openings relative to other professions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 2.719 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME