SalaryNode

Average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME

In Portland-South Portland, ME, Food Servers, Nonrestaurant earn an average annual salary of $37,070. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $34,860, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a higher demand for service roles outside traditional restaurants contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,960.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME, shows a moderate presence with a total workforce of 340 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.67 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a stable rather than rapidly expanding demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,070

The average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+6.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.8

Weekly

$713

Monthly

$3,089

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME

As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression path.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,750$14.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,803$13.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,990$17.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$46,338$22.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$42,960$20.7

Detailed Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,070

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,070 in Portland-South Portland, ME aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Server's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

340

Total Jobs

1.189

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.67x the national average concentration of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the market for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the field may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant make in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The median annual salary for a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME is $37,070. This typically ranges from $30,750 for entry-level positions to $42,960 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 6.3% higher than the national median of $34,860.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant?

Yes, it offers a slightly above-average earning potential.Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME earn approximately $2,210 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially favorable for these roles.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?

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 ($35,000) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.

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

The average annual salary for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME is $37,070, which is $2,210 higher than the national average of $34,860.

What is the concentration of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.67, indicating that these roles are slightly less common in Portland-South Portland, ME compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary translates directly to equivalent purchasing power compared to the national standard.

What is the total number of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in the Portland-South Portland, ME area?

There are approximately 340 Food Servers, Nonrestaurant employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 1.189 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.