Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Cooks, Short Order in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an average annual salary of $39,540, surpassing the national average of $35,650. This higher compensation reflects the specific economic conditions and demand within this particular metropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,460.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland area supports a local workforce of 320 Cooks, Short Order. With a Location Quotient of 1.16, indicating a concentration slightly above the national average, the job market shows a healthy demand for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+10.9%above the national average.
$19
$760
$3,295
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Portland-South Portland have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in the food service industry.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized cooks can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting this career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,240 | $16 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,655 | $14.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,680 | $17.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,425 | $23.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $52,460 | $25.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $39,540 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Cooks, Short Order in Portland-South Portland can expect their earnings to align closely with the typical cost of living expenses in the area.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
1.13
Per 1K Jobs
1.16
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.16, Portland-South Portland, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Short Order roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.16 suggests that Cooks, Short Order are more concentrated in Portland-South Portland than the national average. This implies a moderately competitive market where employers may need to offer competitive wages to attract and retain talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Cooks, Short Order Salary | $37,060↓ 6% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,720↓ 25% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,930↓ 24% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,750↓ 25% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Cooks, Short Order Salary | $28,190↓ 29% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Portland-South Portland, ME is $39,540. This typically ranges from $33,240 for entry-level positions to $52,460 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 10.9% higher than the national median of $35,650.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, with earnings above the national average.Cooks, Short Order in Portland-South Portland earn approximately $3,890 more annually than their national counterparts. This higher nominal salary, combined with a cost of living at the national average, makes it a favorable location.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
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 ($37,060) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Cook, Short Order in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Short Order in Portland-South Portland, ME is $39,540.
How does the Portland-South Portland salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Portland-South Portland ($39,540) is higher than the national average ($35,650).
What does the Location Quotient of 1.16 mean for Cooks, Short Order in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.16 indicates that there is a higher concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs in Portland-South Portland compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand.
How does the Cost of Living in Portland-South Portland affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $39,540 salary in Portland-South Portland has purchasing power equivalent 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 320 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 1.13 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 Portland-South Portland, ME