SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Maine

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Maine earn an average annual salary of $41,250, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,130. This elevated pay is likely influenced by Maine's specific economic conditions and the demand within its healthcare, educational, and correctional facilities.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,940.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,120 individuals in this role, Maine demonstrates a solid presence of institutional cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.15 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Maine compared to the national average, indicating a stable and potentially growing demand for these culinary professionals within the state's institutions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,250

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maine earns+8.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.8

Weekly

$793

Monthly

$3,438

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Maine

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maine typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$34,650$16.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$30,938$14.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$39,810$19.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$51,563$24.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,940$23

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,996

Adjusted for COL (111.5)

The average annual salary of $41,250 in Maine for this role needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 111.5. This index, which is 11.5% above the national average, means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is somewhat diminished by the higher cost of goods and services in the state.

Job Market Context

2,120

Total Jobs

3.336

Per 1K Jobs

1.15

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.15, Maine has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.15 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions are 15% more concentrated in Maine than the national average. This suggests a robust market with a slightly higher demand relative to the overall workforce, indicating good employment prospects and potentially less intense competition for qualified candidates compared to national averages.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Bangor, ME Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$41,780↑ 1%31 mi
Lewiston-Auburn, ME Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$41,440↑ 0%57 mi
Portland-South Portland, ME Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$43,350↑ 5%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Maine

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Maine?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maine is $41,250. This typically ranges from $34,650 for entry-level positions to $47,940 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maine is 8.2% higher than the national median of $38,130.

Is Maine a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, Maine offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary in Maine ($41,250) exceeds the national average ($38,130), and the job market shows a higher concentration of these roles.

Is Maine a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

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 ($41,780) and Lewiston-Auburn, ME.

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

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maine is $41,250, which is $3,120 higher than the national average of $38,130.

What is the concentration of institutional cook jobs in Maine?

Maine has a Location Quotient of 1.15 for this role, indicating a 15% higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 111.5, Maine is 11.5% more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary has slightly reduced purchasing power.

What is the total number of institutional cooks employed in Maine?

There are approximately 2,120 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 2,120 employees in the Maine area with a job density of 3.336 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maine