Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Cooks in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an impressive average annual salary of $46,280, significantly outpacing the national average of $37,700. This elevated compensation is often driven by the specific demands and operational costs within the local culinary scene, reflecting a robust market for skilled kitchen professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,250.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,590 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.97, the Portland-South Portland market demonstrates a healthy concentration of these roles, closely mirroring national employment patterns. The presence of 9.101 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for culinary talent, suggesting a stable and reliable job market for cooks in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+22.8%above the national average.
$22.3
$890
$3,857
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for dining experiences and potential labor shortages likely contribute to upward pressure on wages for this essential role.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME 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 can command significantly higher salaries. The widening percentile gaps as experience increases clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the local culinary industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $37,980 | $18.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,710 | $16.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $46,960 | $22.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $57,850 | $27.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $53,250 | $25.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,280 in Portland-South Portland, ME aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the nominal pay is higher, it is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,590
Total Jobs
9.101
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.97x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.97 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME is very close to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet stable job market, where opportunities are readily available but not necessarily in oversupply compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,680↓ 8% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,330↓ 15% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,680↓ 12% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,620↓ 17% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,690↓ 16% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME is $46,280. This typically ranges from $37,980 for entry-level positions to $53,250 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 22.8% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME earn approximately $8,580 more annually than the national average. This higher pay is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that matches the national average, providing good purchasing power.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 ($42,680) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland, ME cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME is $46,280, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job market like for cooks in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The job market is robust, with a local workforce of 2,590 and a Location Quotient of 0.97, indicating a strong presence and consistent demand for culinary professionals.
Does the cost of living affect the cook salary in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher nominal salary effectively translates to average purchasing power.
How much does experience impact a cook's salary in this area?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding higher pay, reflecting clear career progression opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,590 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 9.101 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 Portland-South Portland, ME