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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Maine

Cooks in restaurants across Maine earn an average annual salary of $44,320, notably exceeding the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation in Maine can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's unique economic landscape and potentially a higher demand for skilled culinary professionals in certain regions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,320 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,670.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,920 Cooks, Restaurant, Maine presents a stable employment environment for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not oversaturated market, with 7.748 jobs available per 1,000 workers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,320

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Maine earns+17.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.3

Weekly

$852

Monthly

$3,693

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Maine

The career path for a Cook in Maine typically involves significant salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average, with higher percentiles reflecting advanced expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$36,670$17.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$33,240$16
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$44,870$21.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$55,400$26.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$49,670$23.9

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,320

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,749

Adjusted for COL (111.5)

The average annual salary of $44,320 in Maine needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 111.5, which is 11.5% higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is attractive, the purchasing power of that income is somewhat diminished by the increased cost of goods and services in the state.

Job Market Context

4,920

Total Jobs

7.748

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

Maine has 0.82x 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.

Maine's Location Quotient of 0.82 for Cooks, Restaurant indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market may not be saturated, offering potential opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment without facing extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Bangor, ME Cooks, Restaurant Salary$41,200↓ 7%31 mi
Lewiston-Auburn, ME Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,680↓ 4%57 mi
Portland-South Portland, ME Cooks, Restaurant Salary$46,280↑ 4%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Maine

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Maine?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Maine is $44,320. This typically ranges from $36,670 for entry-level positions to $49,670 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maine is 17.6% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Maine a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with caveats.Maine offers a higher average salary for Cooks than the national average, but the cost of living is also above the national average, impacting overall financial gain.

Is Maine a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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 ($41,200) and Lewiston-Auburn, ME.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Maine?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Maine is $44,320.

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

Cooks in Maine earn approximately $6,620 more annually than the national average salary of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Maine compared to the national average?

Maine's Cost of Living Index is 111.5, meaning it is 11.5% more expensive to live there than the national average.

How concentrated is the Cook job market in Maine?

The job market for Cooks in Maine has a Location Quotient of 0.82, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,920 employees in the Maine area with a job density of 7.748 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

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