Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Portland-South Portland, ME area are earning an average annual salary of $37,660. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized premium for this role. Factors such as the regional demand for quick-service dining and the overall economic landscape of Maine likely contribute to this higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,160.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland, ME market for Fast Food Cooks shows a stable presence, with a total local workforce of 910 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a steady but not overly saturated demand for these essential roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+21.0%above the national average.
$18.1
$724
$3,138
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increases in minimum wage, and evolving market demands for quick-service food preparation professionals.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Fast Food Cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often with increased responsibilities and supervisory duties. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the progression from an entry-level wage to the average of $37,660 signifies a tangible increase in earning potential as experience and skill levels rise within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,410 | $14.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,245 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,300 | $17 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,075 | $22.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,160 | $22.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,660 for Fast Food Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher nominal wage effectively balances out the cost of living in the area.
Job Market Context
910
Total Jobs
3.207
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.74x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME is neither exceptionally abundant nor scarce relative to the national landscape. This indicates a balanced demand, where opportunities exist without being overwhelmingly competitive, providing a stable environment for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,890↓ 2% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,120↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,880↓ 2% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Portland-South Portland, ME is $37,660. This typically ranges from $30,410 for entry-level positions to $46,160 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 21.0% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings for Fast Food Cooks.The average salary of $37,660 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially favorable.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
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 Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area ($36,890) and Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland, ME salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME is $37,660, which is approximately $6,530 higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The Cost of Living Index for Portland-South Portland, ME is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Fast Food Cook job market in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The Location Quotient of 0.74 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME?
There are approximately 910 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 910 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 3.207 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME