Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an average annual salary of $43,350, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,130. This elevated compensation is often influenced by the specific demands and operational costs within the local market, reflecting a strong regional appreciation for these essential culinary roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,240.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland, ME region supports a local workforce of 680 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 2.376 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for skilled culinary professionals in institutional and cafeteria settings.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+13.7%above the national average.
$20.8
$834
$3,613
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-South Portland, ME have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market dynamics likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these professionals.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The observed salary distribution, though not detailed here, would reflect these percentile gaps as a clear indicator of career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,170 | $17.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,513 | $15.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,980 | $21.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $54,188 | $26.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $51,240 | $24.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $43,350 in Portland-South Portland, ME aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without the added financial strain often associated with higher-than-average living costs.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
2.376
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.82x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 0.82 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-South Portland, ME indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the field or seeking to advance their careers within this specific geographic area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,440↓ 4% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,350↑ 2% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,230↑ 4% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $42,380↓ 2% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $42,830↓ 1% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-South Portland, ME is $43,350. This typically ranges from $36,170 for entry-level positions to $51,240 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 13.7% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially sound location.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($41,440) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-South Portland, ME compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Portland-South Portland, ME is $43,350, which is higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME for this profession?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The job market has a Location Quotient of 0.82, meaning it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable demand without excessive competition.
What is the total local workforce size for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this area?
There are approximately 680 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 2.376 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME