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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Maine

Fast Food Cooks in Maine earn an average annual salary of $36,400, notably higher than the national average of $31,130. This elevated compensation reflects the specific economic conditions and labor market dynamics within the state, which can influence wage levels for various service industry roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,050.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,970 individuals in this role, Maine presents a moderately concentrated market for Fast Food Cooks, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.72. While not exceeding the national average concentration, the presence of 3.102 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady demand for these essential service positions within the state's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,400

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Maine earns+16.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.5

Weekly

$700

Monthly

$3,033

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Maine

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Maine typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,270$14.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,300$13.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,780$17.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,500$21.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,050$21.7

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,646

Adjusted for COL (111.5)

The average annual salary of $36,400 in Maine needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 111.5. This index, which is 11.5% higher than the national average, indicates that while nominal wages are above the national median, the purchasing power of that salary may be slightly diminished due to higher everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

1,970

Total Jobs

3.102

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

Maine has 0.72x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that Fast Food Cooks are slightly less concentrated in Maine compared to the national average. This implies that while the profession is present, it may not be as dominant a feature of the state's employment landscape as it is nationally, potentially leading to a more balanced supply and demand dynamic for these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Bangor, ME Cooks, Fast Food Salary$35,400↓ 3%31 mi
Portland-South Portland, ME Cooks, Fast Food Salary$37,660↑ 3%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Maine

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Maine?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Maine is $36,400. This typically ranges from $30,270 for entry-level positions to $45,050 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maine is 16.9% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Maine a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, with caveats.Maine offers a higher average salary for Fast Food Cooks than the national average, but the cost of living is also above the national average, impacting overall purchasing power.

Is Maine a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

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 ($35,400) and Portland-South Portland, ME.

How does Maine's average Fast Food Cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Maine is $36,400, which is approximately $5,270 higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Maine compared to the rest of the US?

Maine has a Location Quotient of 0.72 for Fast Food Cooks, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs relative to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Maine affect the salary of a Fast Food Cook?

With a Cost of Living Index of 111.5, Maine is more expensive than the national average. This means that the higher nominal salary of $36,400 may not translate to significantly greater disposable income compared to lower-cost areas.

What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks employed in Maine?

There are approximately 1,970 individuals employed as Fast Food Cooks within the state of Maine.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,970 employees in the Maine area with a job density of 3.102 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maine