Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,460, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This elevated pay is likely influenced by the specific economic conditions and labor demands within this region, reflecting a localized premium for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,790.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,360 Food Preparation Workers, Southwest Maine demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.67. This suggests a robust demand and a well-established presence of this occupation within the region's economy, pointing towards a stable job market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area earns+4.9%above the national average.
$17.1
$682
$2,955
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 Southwest Maine have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a positive trajectory for earning potential in this field within the region.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Maine typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to more senior roles. While exact figures vary, the gap between lower and higher percentile earnings signifies opportunities for advancement and increased compensation based on experience, skill, and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,920 | $14.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,595 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,780 | $16.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,325 | $21.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,790 | $20.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,460 in Southwest Maine 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 average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain.
Job Market Context
1,360
Total Jobs
9.615
Per 1K Jobs
1.67
Location Quotient
Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.67 for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Maine indicates a substantial concentration of this occupation compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is more abundant in opportunities for these roles than in many other areas, potentially leading to increased competition but also greater accessibility.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,730↑ 1% | 31 mi |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,260↓ 1% | 57 mi |
| Portland-South Portland, ME Food Preparation Workers Salary | $37,750↑ 6% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area is $35,460. This typically ranges from $29,920 for entry-level positions to $41,790 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 4.9% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, it offers a slight edge over the national average.Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Maine earn approximately $1,650 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the region financially favorable for these roles.
Is Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($35,730) and Lewiston-Auburn, ME.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Maine compare nationally?
With 9.615 jobs per 1,000 workers, Southwest Maine has a higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers than the national average, indicating a strong local presence in this sector.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
An LQ of 1.67 signifies that Food Preparation Workers are 67% more concentrated in Southwest Maine than the national average, suggesting higher demand or a specialized industry presence.
Does experience significantly impact Food Preparation Worker salaries in Southwest Maine?
Yes, like most professions, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Higher percentile earnings typically reflect senior roles with greater responsibilities and expertise.
How does the cost of living in Southwest Maine affect the salary of a Food Preparation Worker?
The cost of living index is 100, meaning it is exactly average. Therefore, the $35,460 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering good value.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,360 employees in the Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.615 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 Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area