Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Lewiston-Auburn, ME
Food Preparation Workers in Lewiston-Auburn, ME, command an average annual salary of $35,260, surpassing the national average of $33,810. This localized premium is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Lewiston-Auburn area for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,900.
- Outlook: The Lewiston-Auburn area supports a dedicated workforce of approximately 400 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.43, indicating a concentration 43% higher than the national average, the job market here shows robust demand and a significant presence for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Lewiston-Auburn, ME earns+4.3%above the national average.
$17
$678
$2,938
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Lewiston-Auburn have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Lewiston-Auburn, ME
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting the value of their expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,550 | $14.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,445 | $12.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,310 | $16.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,075 | $21.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,900 | $20.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,260 in Lewiston-Auburn aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
8.236
Per 1K Jobs
1.43
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.43, Lewiston-Auburn, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.43 signifies that Food Preparation Workers are notably more concentrated in Lewiston-Auburn than in the average U.S. location. This suggests a strong local industry presence and potentially higher demand relative to the general workforce, making the market competitive yet abundant for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-South Portland, ME Food Preparation Workers Salary | $37,750↑ 7% | 29 mi |
| Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,460↑ 1% | 57 mi |
| Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,330↓ 3% | 57 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,310↓ 3% | 82 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,580↑ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lewiston-Auburn, ME
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Lewiston-Auburn, ME?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Lewiston-Auburn, ME is $35,260. This typically ranges from $30,550 for entry-level positions to $41,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lewiston-Auburn, ME is 4.3% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Lewiston-Auburn, ME a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, with a salary above the national average and a strong local concentration.Food Preparation Workers in Lewiston-Auburn earn $35,260 annually, exceeding the national average, and the area has a higher concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.43).
Is Lewiston-Auburn, ME a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lewiston-Auburn, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lewiston-Auburn, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Portland-South Portland, ME ($37,750) and Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lewiston-Auburn salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Lewiston-Auburn is $35,260, which is higher than the national average of $33,810.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.43 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Lewiston-Auburn?
A Location Quotient of 1.43 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are 43% more concentrated in Lewiston-Auburn compared to the national average, suggesting a stronger local demand for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living in Lewiston-Auburn affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lewiston-Auburn is at the national average. This means the $35,260 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in Lewiston-Auburn?
There are approximately 400 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Lewiston-Auburn area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Lewiston-Auburn, ME area with a job density of 8.236 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lewiston-Auburn, ME