Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Food Preparation Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $37,750, notably exceeding the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is often driven by the specific economic conditions and demand within the Portland-South Portland metropolitan area, reflecting a localized premium for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,840.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland region supports a substantial workforce of 2,420 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.48, indicating a concentration 48% higher than the national average, the demand for these professionals appears robust and signals a healthy job market with potential for growth.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+11.7%above the national average.
$18.2
$726
$3,146
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Portland-South Portland have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage inflation and increasing demand for skilled labor in the food service industry.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While exact figures vary, the gap between entry-level and senior-level pay often signifies significant opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential based on acquired skills and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,580 | $15.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,313 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,980 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,188 | $22.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,840 | $22 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,750 in Portland-South Portland 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 area is equivalent to the national average, offering stable financial footing without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
2,420
Total Jobs
8.523
Per 1K Jobs
1.48
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.48, Portland-South Portland, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.48 strongly suggests that Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in Portland-South Portland than in the typical U.S. location. This indicates a higher demand relative to the national average, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive compensation within this specific market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,260↓ 7% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,310↓ 9% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,580↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,560↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,090↓ 12% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME is $37,750. This typically ranges from $31,580 for entry-level positions to $45,840 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 11.7% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.Food Preparation Workers in Portland-South Portland earn approximately $3,940 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially advantageous for these roles.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($35,260) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland job market compare nationally for Food Preparation Workers?
The job market in Portland-South Portland is more concentrated for Food Preparation Workers, with a Location Quotient of 1.48, suggesting a higher demand relative to the national average.
What is the average salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The average annual salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Portland-South Portland, ME, is $37,750.
How does the cost of living in Portland-South Portland affect the salary?
The cost of living in Portland-South Portland is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $37,750 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs in Portland-South Portland?
With 8.523 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 2,420, the presence of Food Preparation Workers is significant and more concentrated than 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 2,420 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 8.523 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 Portland-South Portland, ME