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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area

Cooks, Short Order in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,810. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,650, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where operational costs and market demand can influence compensation structures. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within Southwest Maine contribute to this localized pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,500.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Short Order in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 360 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.58 significantly indicates a greater concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industry presence within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,810

The average Cooks, Short Order in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area earns-5.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.3

Weekly

$650

Monthly

$2,818

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order 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 reflect this career trajectory, with senior cooks earning substantially more than their junior counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,060$14.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,358$12.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$33,220$16
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,263$20.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,500$18

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $33,810 in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Short Order Cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to typical expenses.

Job Market Context

360

Total Jobs

2.513

Per 1K Jobs

2.58

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area has 2.6x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 2.58, Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where demand for these culinary professionals is notably elevated compared to other regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

Comparing salaries near Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area is $33,810. This typically ranges from $31,060 for entry-level positions to $37,500 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 5.2% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $33,810 is below the national average of $35,650, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

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 ($35,270) and Lewiston-Auburn, ME.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 2.513 jobs per 1,000 workers, Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher concentration of Short Order Cook positions compared to the national average.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role?

A Location Quotient of 2.58 indicates that Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area has 2.58 times the number of Short Order Cooks relative to its total workforce compared to the national average, highlighting a strong regional demand.

How does the Cost of Living in Southwest Maine affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are average, meaning the $33,810 salary has average purchasing power, neither significantly boosting nor diminishing its real value.

What does the total local workforce size imply for job seekers?

A workforce of 360 Short Order Cooks suggests a moderately sized but concentrated job market, indicating potential opportunities but also a need for specialized skills to stand out.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.513 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.