Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,390, notably exceeding the national average of $31,130. This higher compensation is likely influenced by regional labor dynamics and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting. The local market's unique economic factors contribute to this favorable pay scale for fast-food cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,070.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 450 individuals in this role, Southwest Maine presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests that this occupation is slightly less prevalent here than the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand relative to other industries within the region. The presence of 3.164 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent, steady employment landscape for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area earns+13.7%above the national average.
$17
$681
$2,949
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for service industry roles, especially in regions seeking to attract and retain essential workers.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by salary increases. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range for this profession allows for significant earning potential as experience and skill levels advance. Higher-paying roles often signify greater responsibility, supervisory duties, or specialized culinary skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,090 | $14.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,543 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,970 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,238 | $21.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,070 | $20.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,390 in Southwest Maine aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
3.164
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area has 0.73x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of fast-food cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job is present, it is not a dominant industry, potentially leading to a moderately competitive job market where skilled individuals can find opportunities without facing extreme saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,400↑ 0% | 31 mi |
| Portland-South Portland, ME Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $37,660↑ 6% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area is $35,390. This typically ranges from $30,090 for entry-level positions to $42,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area is 13.7% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, it offers above-average pay.Cooks in this region earn approximately $4,260 more annually than the national average. Furthermore, the cost of living matches the national average, enhancing the real value of this higher salary.
Is Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bangor, ME ($35,400) and Portland-South Portland, ME.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Maine is $35,390, which is $4,260 higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many fast-food cooks are employed in this region?
There are approximately 450 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area.
Is the job market for fast-food cooks concentrated in this area?
The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests that the concentration of fast-food cooks is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate presence rather than a high concentration.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.164 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 Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area