Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Maine
Cooks, Short Order in Maine earn an average annual salary of $36,040, slightly surpassing the national average of $35,650. This modest pay differential is influenced by Maine's unique economic landscape and the specific demand for culinary professionals within the state's hospitality sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,980.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,050 Cooks, Short Order and a Location Quotient of 1.69, Maine demonstrates a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for short order cooks within the state, indicating a stable job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Maine earns+1.1%above the national average.
$17.3
$693
$3,003
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Maine have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by inflation, increasing demand for dining services, and the need for employers to attract and retain skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Maine
Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order in Maine typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. 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) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,030 | $13 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,070 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,050 | $21.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,980 | $20.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,323
Adjusted for COL (111.5)
The average annual salary of $36,040 in Maine needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 111.5. This index, which is 11.5% higher than the national average, indicates that while the nominal salary is slightly above the national average, the purchasing power of that salary may be somewhat diminished due to higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,050
Total Jobs
1.649
Per 1K Jobs
1.69
Location Quotient
Maine has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Maine's Location Quotient of 1.69 for Cooks, Short Order signifies a market where this profession is 69% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these roles within Maine's economy, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a more competitive hiring environment for employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME Cooks, Short Order Salary | $35,270↓ 2% | 31 mi |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Cooks, Short Order Salary | $37,060↑ 3% | 57 mi |
| Portland-South Portland, ME Cooks, Short Order Salary | $39,540↑ 10% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Maine
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Maine?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Maine is $36,040. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $42,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Maine is 1.1% higher than the national median of $35,650.
Is Maine a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, with caveats.Maine offers a slightly higher average salary than the national average for Cooks, Short Order. However, the higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary needs careful consideration.
Is Maine a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
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 ($35,270) and Lewiston-Auburn, ME.
What is the average hourly wage for a Cook, Short Order in Maine?
Based on the average annual salary of $36,040 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Cook, Short Order in Maine is around $17.33.
How does experience impact a Cook, Short Order's salary in Maine?
Experience is a significant factor. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with several years of experience and proven skills can expect to earn substantially more, moving into higher percentile salary brackets.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks, Short Order in Maine?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.69 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Maine compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy demand.
Is the salary for a Cook, Short Order in Maine sufficient given the cost of living?
While the salary is slightly above the national average, Maine's cost of living is also higher. This means that while the nominal pay is good, the actual purchasing power might be less than in areas with a lower cost of living.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Maine area with a job density of 1.649 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, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maine