SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME

In Portland-South Portland, ME, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $44,240, significantly outpacing the national average of $35,960. This higher compensation is likely driven by a combination of local economic factors and a demand for skilled culinary professionals within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,240 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,690.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-South Portland, ME, demonstrates a healthy presence, with 94.071 jobs per 1,000 workers. The total local workforce in this sector numbers 26,740, indicating a substantial and established industry that supports a significant portion of the regional economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,240

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+23.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.3

Weekly

$851

Monthly

$3,687

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-South Portland, ME, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and managers can command substantially higher salaries, with percentile gaps clearly indicating the financial rewards of advancing through senior roles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,720$14.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$33,180$16
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,480$18
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$55,300$26.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$64,690$31.1

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,240

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,240

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $44,240 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for residents.

Job Market Context

26,740

Total Jobs

94.071

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Portland-South Portland, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.07, Portland-South Portland, ME, shows a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and competitive market where demand for these roles is marginally stronger than the typical U.S. metropolitan area.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-South Portland, ME is $44,240. This typically ranges from $30,720 for entry-level positions to $64,690 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 23.0% higher than the national median of $35,960.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Yes, it offers above-average earnings.Professionals in this field earn $44,240 annually, which is higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the location financially attractive.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

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 ($39,680) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Portland-South Portland, ME salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary in Portland-South Portland, ME, is $44,240, which is notably higher than the national average of $35,960 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.

What is the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The cost of living index in Portland-South Portland, ME, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.

Is there high demand for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The Location Quotient of 1.07 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicating a healthy and potentially competitive demand for these roles in the area.

How many Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Portland-South Portland, ME?

There are approximately 94.071 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-South Portland, ME, reflecting a significant presence of this sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 26,740 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 94.071 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.