Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $42,480, notably exceeding the national average of $37,700. This higher local compensation is often influenced by factors specific to the region, such as the cost of doing business, seasonal tourism demands, and the availability of skilled labor within this particular geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,890.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,010 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.76, the job market in Southwest Maine indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. However, the presence of over a thousand professionals suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for culinary talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area earns+12.7%above the national average.
$20.4
$817
$3,540
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for establishments, and a persistent demand for qualified kitchen staff, leading to incremental salary adjustments.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Maine typically involves a salary increase with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their value and contribution to an establishment's success.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,530 | $17.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,860 | $15.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,740 | $21 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,100 | $25.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,890 | $23.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,480 in Southwest Maine 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 region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are higher, the cost of everyday expenses remains balanced.
Job Market Context
1,010
Total Jobs
7.149
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area has 0.76x 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 0.76 for Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This could imply a moderately competitive job market where employers may need to offer competitive wages to attract and retain talent, but it does not indicate an oversaturated field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,200↓ 3% | 31 mi |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,680↑ 0% | 57 mi |
| Portland-South Portland, ME Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $46,280↑ 9% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area is $42,480. This typically ranges from $36,530 for entry-level positions to $48,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area is 12.7% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with a salary above the national average.Cooks in Southwest Maine earn approximately $4,780 more annually than the national average. The local cost of living is also at the national average, making the higher salary more impactful for purchasing power.
Is Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bangor, ME ($41,200) and Lewiston-Auburn, ME.
How does the number of Cooks in Southwest Maine compare to the national average?
There are 1,010 Cooks, Restaurant in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area. The jobs per 1,000 workers is 7.149, which is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate presence of this role.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks in this region?
A Location Quotient of 0.76 means that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Maine is 24% lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession exists, it's not a dominant industry sector in this specific nonmetropolitan area.
Does experience significantly impact a Cook's salary in Southwest Maine?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression. More experienced cooks typically earn higher salaries, moving into upper salary percentiles as their skills and responsibilities grow within the culinary field.
How does the cost of living affect the value of a Cook's salary in Southwest Maine?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the higher average salary of $42,480 offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a balanced financial environment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.149 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 Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area