Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Bangor, ME
Cooks in Bangor, Maine, earn an average annual salary of $41,200, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This higher local compensation is often driven by a combination of regional demand for culinary professionals and the specific economic landscape of the area, reflecting the unique value placed on these essential roles within Bangor's community.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,700.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 540 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.8, Bangor presents a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, job market for this profession compared to national averages. The presence of nearly 7.5 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for culinary talent, suggesting a robust environment for those seeking employment or career advancement in this sector within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Bangor, ME earns+9.3%above the national average.
$19.8
$792
$3,433
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bangor's restaurant cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services post-pandemic, and a growing appreciation for skilled culinary labor likely contribute to salary growth, making the role increasingly financially rewarding.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Bangor, ME
The career trajectory for Cooks, Restaurant in Bangor, ME, typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,670 | $17.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,900 | $14.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,620 | $18.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $51,500 | $24.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,700 | $22 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,200 in Bangor, ME, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power effectively within the city, offering a balanced financial standing for residents compared to the typical American experience.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
7.488
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Bangor, ME has 0.80x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Bangor, ME, has a Location Quotient of 0.8 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and in demand, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without facing intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,480↑ 3% | 31 mi |
| Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,230↑ 3% | 31 mi |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,680↑ 4% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bangor, ME
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Bangor, ME?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Bangor, ME is $41,200. This typically ranges from $35,670 for entry-level positions to $45,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bangor, ME is 9.3% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Bangor, ME a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, Bangor, ME offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Cooks, Restaurants than the national average.The average salary of $41,200 in Bangor exceeds the national average of $37,700, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Bangor, ME a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Bangor, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bangor, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area ($42,480) and Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant in Bangor compare nationally?
Bangor has a total local workforce of 540 Cooks, Restaurant. The Location Quotient of 0.8 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a less saturated market.
What is the job outlook for Cooks, Restaurant in Bangor, ME?
With 7.488 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand for Cooks, Restaurant in Bangor is consistent, suggesting a stable job market with ongoing opportunities for employment and career growth.
How does experience impact a Cook's salary in Bangor?
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while experienced chefs and kitchen managers can significantly increase their earnings, with percentile gaps reflecting this advancement.
Is the salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Bangor sufficient for the cost of living?
Yes, the average salary of $41,200 in Bangor aligns with a Cost of Living Index of 100 (national average), indicating that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national standard.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Bangor, ME area with a job density of 7.488 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bangor, ME