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Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Maine

In Maine, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $42,150, notably exceeding the national average of $35,960. This higher compensation is likely influenced by Maine's unique economic landscape and potentially a higher cost of living, reflecting the value placed on these essential roles within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,990.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 55,280 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Maine demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.99 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Maine is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and well-established job market that supports a robust demand for these services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,150

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maine earns+17.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.3

Weekly

$811

Monthly

$3,513

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Maine

Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maine typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the career advancement opportunities available, rewarding dedication and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,300$14.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$31,613$15.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,340$17.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$52,688$25.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$60,990$29.3

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,803

Adjusted for COL (111.5)

The average annual salary of $42,150 in Maine for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations presents a mixed picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 111.5. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living being 11.5% above the national average means that the purchasing power of this salary may be slightly diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

55,280

Total Jobs

86.99

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Maine has 0.99x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

Maine's Location Quotient of 0.99 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates that the industry's presence in the state is almost exactly proportional to its national prevalence. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, meaning professionals may find a competitive but accessible environment for employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

Comparing salaries near Maine

Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Maine?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maine is $42,150. This typically ranges from $30,300 for entry-level positions to $60,990 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maine is 17.2% higher than the national median of $35,960.

Is Maine a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Yes, with caveats.Maine offers an average salary higher than the national average for these roles. However, the cost of living is also above the national average, slightly tempering the overall financial advantage.

Is Maine a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

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 ($40,000) and Lewiston-Auburn, ME.

How does Maine's average salary for Food Preparation compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maine is $42,150, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.

What is the Cost of Living Index in Maine, and how does it affect salaries?

Maine has a Cost of Living Index of 111.5, meaning it is 11.5% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living helps explain why salaries are generally higher in the state.

How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in Maine compared to the rest of the country?

Maine's Location Quotient for these jobs is 0.99, indicating that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is very close to the national average.

What is the total number of workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maine?

There are approximately 55,280 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maine.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 55,280 employees in the Maine area with a job density of 86.99 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.